The Top 10 Richest People in the World: 2024 Edition
Do you ever think about who the richest people on earth are? These ten richest people have created a lasting legacy with their businesses and investments – from new technologies to luxury goods. So, let’s find out who the world’s best CEOs are and what made them so rich.
10. Warren Buffett – $128 Billion
Although Warren Buffett is a well-known entrepreneur, most people will be surprised that he’s so low on the list of the richest people in the world. Buffet is known as the “Oracle of Omaha” for his investing prowess and ability to identify undervalued companies with strong growth potential.
At a young age, he began amassing his wealth thanks to his money-saving habits and savvy investing strategies. Buffet co-founded Berkshire Hathaway, eventually becoming CEO and transforming it into a global conglomerate. He continued to build his wealth as the primary shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway.
In addition to Buffet’s shares in Berkshire Hathaway, he also owns significant stock in Apple, Coca-Cola, Geico, Duracell, and American Express. Like many of the other billionaires on our list, Buffet also has notable real estate holdings.
9. Steve Ballmer – $130 Billion
Steve Ballmer was the 30th employee to join Microsoft back in 1980. He eventually moved up to CEO in 2000 and held the position for 14 years. Ballmer received a significant amount of Microsoft stock as part of his benefits package, contributing greatly to his fortune. He is one of the largest shareholders in the company.
Outside of Microsoft, Ballmer has some notable assets that also add to his wealth. He owns the Los Angeles Clippers, whose value has significantly increased since his acquisition in 2014. Ballmer also owns real estate in Los Angeles, Washington, and other areas. His luxury home in Hunts Point, Washington, is valued at $10 million.
8. Bill Gates – $133 Billion
Bill Gates is most well known as the co-founder of Microsoft in 1975. He served as the CEO until 2000 and a chairman until 2014. Gates’ wealth was primarily amassed from Microsoft stock – he was one of the primary stakeholders.
Over time, Gates sold off much of his Microsoft stock in an effort to diversify his assets and increase his net worth. He has reinvested his fortune in Deere & Company, Canadian National Railway, and Ecolab.
He also owns farmland across the U.S., as well as a $130 million estate in Washington.
7. Sergey Brin – $143 Billion
In 1998, Sergey Brin co-founded Google and, like the others on this list, grew his fortune as the primary stockholder. Brin was also an early investor in Planetary Resources, which focused on asteroid mining. In addition to his stock holdings, Brin also owns several estates across the U.S., yachts, and private jets.
6. Larry Page – $151 Billion
Just like Brin, Larry Page also amassed his wealth as the other co-founder of Google. As one of the primary shareholders of Google stock, Page began to build his billion-dollar fortune. His other notable investments include Planetary Resources, Kitty Hawk, and Opener – the last two are companies developing technology for flying cars.
Page also invests in startups and the healthcare, renewable energy, and autonomous vehicle sectors. As with the others on this list, Page also has many high-value real estate investments.
5. Larry Ellison – $170 Billion
The second billionaire Larry on the list is Larry Ellison, who is the co-founder of Oracle Corporation. He served as the CEO until 2014 and currently serves as chairman and chief technology officer. As part of his compensation package, Ellison received significant shares of Oracle stock.
Ellison also served on the board for Tesla between 2018 and 2022. In addition to his Oracle stock, he also owns a large share of Tesla stock.
He owns 98% of the Hawaiian island Lanai, as well as luxury estates in California, Japan, and Rhode Island. His real estate portfolio is valued in the billions. Finally, he owns multiple yachts and private jets.
4. Mark Zuckerberg – $178 Billion
One of the most well-known billionaires on this list – Mark Zuckerberg, began growing his fortune as the co-founder of Facebook (Meta). Meta has grown and acquired several other high-performing companies, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus.
As the primary shareholder in Meta, Zuckerberg continues to grow his wealth. He also has notable investments in startups within the technology, healthcare, and scientific research sectors.
Zuckerberg ranks so highly on the list of billionaires due to his significant real estate investments. He owns multiple estates in California and Hawaii, including a 700-acre property on Kauai that is worth over $100 million. He also owns several luxury private jets and yachts.
3. Bernard Arnault – $197 Billion
Arnault has earned his spot in the top three through his ownership stake in Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), which is the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate.
Under Arnault’s leadership, LVMH owns over 70 luxury fashion, cosmetics, wine, and spirit brands. Arnault also owns significant shares of Christian Dior SE, which has further contributed to his fortune.
Other assets include properties in Paris and the Bahamas, as well as yachts and private jets. Arnault is also an avid art collector who owns several pieces from Picasso, Yves Klein, and Henry Moore.
2. Jeff Bezos – $208 Billion
Jeff Bezos initially started Amazon from his garage, growing the company to a global e-commerce powerhouse. As a result, his net worth has skyrocketed to billions thanks to his significant stock holdings in the company.
In addition to founding Amazon and serving as CEO, Bezos also founded Blue Origin. His second company is an aerospace manufacturer and sub-orbital spaceflight services company. Through his shares in Blue Origin, Bezos continues to grow his wealth.
Bezos’ real estate portfolio is valued in the billions. He has a $165 million estate in California, a ranch in Texas, and other properties in Washington D.C. and New York. He also has other high-end assets, including a private jet and a superyacht.
1. Elon Musk – $218 Billion
At the top of the list is Elon Musk – currently the richest man in the world. Musk amassed his fortune by being the CEO and largest shareholder of Tesla, which is the leader in electric car, solar, and energy production and sales. The company’s stock is currently $245 per share.
Musk’s space exploration company, SpaceX, also contributes to his massive wealth. SpaceX is currently valued at $180 billion, contributing significantly to Musk’s wealth. The company’s success is largely due to its space exploration efforts and the Starlink project, which provides global Internet coverage.
Musk is also involved in other initiatives, including the Boring Company, which is focused on improving urban transportation with the construction of underground infrastructure and high-speed travel. He is also one of the co-founders of the artificial intelligence company OpenAI.
Aside from his stocks, Musk also has other valuable assets that also contribute to his wealth. He owns several properties, most notably an estate in Texas. He also owns multiple high-end cars, including the famous Lotus Esprit submarine car from the James Bond movie “The Spy Who Loved Me.”
Sum-Up
These ten individuals have amassed massive fortunes while changing the world forever. They have grown their wealth, impacted whole sectors, and touched countless lives through innovative ideas, strategic decisions, and a relentless drive toward success. From technology to luxury, they represent what can be achieved through determination and vision.
