2024’s Top 10 Richest People: Who Made the List?

As we enter 2024, the landscape of global wealth continues to evolve, with technology moguls, retail giants, and investment gurus dominating the list of the world’s wealthiest individuals. 

Based on data from the Real-Time Billionaires List, this article explores the top 10 richest people in the world, their sources of wealth, and their impact on the global economy and society.

1. Elon Musk – Net Worth: $208 billion

At the pinnacle of the world’s wealth pyramid stands Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur known for his groundbreaking ventures in electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. As the co-founder and CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and several other innovative companies, Musk has revolutionized multiple industries.

Musk’s wealth primarily stems from his stake in Tesla, which has seen exponential growth in recent years. His other ventures, including SpaceX and Neuralink, also contribute significantly to his net worth. In 2022, Musk made headlines with his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter (now X), further diversifying his business portfolio.

Born in South Africa in 1971, Musk displayed an early aptitude for technology and entrepreneurship. He co-founded PayPal before venturing into electric vehicles with Tesla and space exploration with SpaceX. His ambitious goals, including colonizing Mars and transitioning the world to sustainable energy, have made him a controversial yet influential figure in the tech world.

2. Jeff Bezos – Net Worth: $203 billion

According to the Real-Time Billionaires List, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, holds the second spot on the list with a net worth of $203 billion. Bezos’s journey from selling books online to creating the world’s largest e-commerce platform is a testament to his business acumen and vision.

Amazon’s success during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly boosted Bezos’s wealth. Despite stepping down as CEO in 2021, he remains executive chairman and the company’s largest shareholder. Bezos has diversified his investments, including the purchase of The Washington Post and the founding of space exploration company Blue Origin.

Born in 1964 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bezos showed early signs of ingenuity and entrepreneurship. He founded Amazon in 1994, initially as an online bookstore, before expanding it into the global retail giant it is today. Bezos’s focus on customer service and long-term growth has been key to Amazon’s success.

3. Bernard Arnault & family – Net Worth: $202 billion

Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), stands as Europe’s wealthiest individual with a net worth of $202 billion. Arnault has built a luxury goods empire, overseeing a portfolio of over 70 prestigious brands including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Hennessy.

Under Arnault’s leadership, LVMH has seen consistent growth, even during economic downturns. His strategic acquisitions and ability to maintain brand exclusivity have been crucial to the company’s success. In 2021, LVMH completed the acquisition of Tiffany & Co. for $15.8 billion, further solidifying its position in the luxury market.

Born in 1949 in Roubaix, France, Arnault began his career in his family’s construction business before venturing into luxury goods. His keen eye for brand value and market trends has made him a dominant figure in the fashion and luxury industries.

4. Mark Zuckerberg – Net Worth: $176 billion

Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder and CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), ranks fourth with a net worth of $176 billion. Zuckerberg’s wealth primarily comes from his stake in Meta, which encompasses Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other tech ventures.

Under Zuckerberg’s leadership, Meta has grown from a college networking site to a global social media powerhouse. The company’s focus on virtual and augmented reality technologies, particularly through its metaverse initiatives, represents its vision for the future of social interaction and computing.

Born in 1984 in White Plains, New York, Zuckerberg created Facebook in his Harvard dorm room in 2004. His journey from a college student to one of the world’s most influential tech leaders has been marked by both innovation and controversy, particularly regarding issues of user privacy and data protection.

5. Larry Ellison – Net Worth: $149 billion

Larry Ellison, co-founder, executive chairman, and CTO of Oracle Corporation, holds the fifth position with a net worth of $149 billion. Larry Ellison’s net worth primarily comes from his stake in Oracle, one of the largest software companies in the world.

Under Ellison’s leadership, Oracle has become a dominant player in database software and cloud computing. His strategic acquisitions and focus on innovation have kept Oracle at the forefront of enterprise technology. Ellison has also made significant investments outside of tech, including substantial real estate holdings and the purchase of 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lanai.

Born in 1944 in New York City, Ellison co-founded Oracle in 1977. Known for his flamboyant lifestyle and competitive nature, Ellison has been a controversial figure in Silicon Valley. His philanthropic efforts include substantial donations to medical research and education.

6. Larry Page – Net Worth: $143 billion

Larry Page, co-founder of Google and board member of Alphabet Inc., ranks sixth with a net worth of $143 billion. Page’s wealth primarily stems from his stake in Alphabet, Google’s parent company.

Page co-founded Google in 1998 with Sergey Brin, revolutionizing internet search and digital advertising. Under his leadership as CEO until 2015, Google expanded into various tech sectors, including mobile operating systems (Android), video sharing (YouTube), and cloud computing.

Born in 1973 in East Lansing, Michigan, Page showed an early interest in computers and technology. His vision of organizing the world’s information has transformed how we interact with the internet. Page is also known for his investments in flying car startups and other futuristic technologies.

7. Sergey Brin – Net Worth: $137 billion

Sergey Brin, the other co-founder of Google and board member of Alphabet Inc., follows closely behind Page with a net worth of $137 billion. Like Page, Brin’s wealth is primarily derived from his stake in Alphabet.

Brin played a crucial role in Google’s development, particularly in the early algorithms that set Google apart from other search engines. He served as the president of Alphabet until 2019, focusing on moonshot projects like self-driving cars and Google Glass.

Born in 1973 in Moscow, Soviet Union, Brin immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of six. His background in mathematics and computer science was instrumental in Google’s early success. Brin is known for his interest in emerging technologies and has been involved in various philanthropic efforts.

8. Warren Buffett – Net Worth: $134 billion

Warren Buffett, often referred to as the “Oracle of Omaha,” is the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and one of the most successful investors in history. With a net worth of $134 billion, Buffett stands as the eighth richest person in the world.

Buffett’s wealth comes from his astute investments through Berkshire Hathaway, a conglomerate that owns a diverse portfolio of businesses and significant stakes in major companies. His value investing strategy and long-term approach to wealth creation have made him an icon in the financial world.

Born in 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska, Buffett showed an early aptitude for business and investing. His annual shareholder letters are widely read for their insights into business and economics. Buffett is also known for his philanthropy, having pledged to give away the majority of his wealth to charitable causes.

9. Bill Gates – Net Worth: $131 billion

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and one of the pioneers of the personal computer revolution, ranks ninth with a net worth of $131 billion. Although he has diversified his wealth, a significant portion still comes from his stake in Microsoft.

 

Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975, growing it into the world’s largest personal computer software company. Since stepping down from day-to-day operations at Microsoft, Gates has focused on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, tackling global issues such as healthcare, education, and climate change.

Born in 1955 in Seattle, Washington, Gates showed early promise in computer programming. His vision of “a computer on every desk and in every home” played a crucial role in shaping the modern digital landscape. Gates is also an author and has written several books on technology and philanthropy.

10. Steve Ballmer – Net Worth: $126 billion

Rounding out the top 10 is Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft and current owner of the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team, with a net worth of $126 billion. Ballmer’s wealth primarily comes from his long tenure at Microsoft and his significant stake in the company.

Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 as its 30th employee and eventually succeeded Bill Gates as CEO in 2000. Under his leadership, Microsoft’s annual revenue surged from $23 billion to $77 billion. Since retiring from Microsoft in 2014, Ballmer has focused on philanthropic efforts and his ownership of the Clippers.

Born in 1956 in Detroit, Michigan, Ballmer met Bill Gates at Harvard University. Known for his energetic and boisterous personality, Ballmer played a crucial role in Microsoft’s dominance in the personal computer market. His tenure as CEO saw Microsoft expand into new markets, including gaming with the Xbox console.