Billionaires are not just figures in finance; they are influential players shaping the global economy, political landscapes, and philanthropic efforts. According to Forbes, the world in 2024 boasts 2,781 billionaires. At the very top of this exclusive group is Elon Musk, the innovative CEO of Tesla and SpaceX.
However, even within this billionaire echelon, a more select group exists – the multi-billionaires. These individuals possess extraordinary financial power, often derived from founding and leading transformative technology companies. A significant portion of their wealth remains invested in the very enterprises they built.
Interestingly, these financial titans often leverage their vast stock holdings to secure loans, strategically avoiding stock sales. This approach allows them to defer or even eliminate capital gains taxes, a benefit that can extend to their heirs. Furthermore, sophisticated tax planning provides avenues for substantial deductions against reported income, sometimes resulting in years where these wealthiest individuals pay little to no income tax.
Given that much of their wealth is tied to publicly traded stocks, the net worth of these richest individuals is dynamic, fluctuating with market valuations. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index provides a real-time snapshot of these figures. Below, we present the top 10 wealthiest people on the planet, with data current as of February 3, 2025.
Top 10 Richest People in the World: Who Are They?
Here are the individuals who command the most wealth globally, detailing their sources of income and key achievements:
1. Elon Musk
- Age: 53
- Residence: United States
- Title: Co-founder and CEO, Tesla
- Net Worth: $433 billion
Elon Musk currently holds the title of the world’s richest person. Born in South Africa, Musk’s academic journey led him from a Canadian university to the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned degrees in physics and economics. His entrepreneurial drive led him to defer his Stanford University graduate physics program enrollment to launch Zip2, an early online navigation service. Profits from Zip2 fueled the creation of X.com, which later evolved into PayPal after being acquired by eBay.
In 2004, Musk’s significant investment in Tesla Motors marked the beginning of his leadership in the electric vehicle industry. Tesla’s portfolio extends beyond electric vehicles to include energy storage solutions and solar power systems, following its acquisition of SolarCity. Musk also leads Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), a pioneering company in space launch rocket development. Tesla’s inclusion in the S&P 500 in December 2020 and Musk’s ascent to world’s richest person in January 2021 underscore his significant impact on global industries.
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Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, photographed at a conference, showcasing his leadership in technology and innovation.
Musk’s ambitious acquisition of X (formerly Twitter) in 2022 for $44 billion, funded partially by his own capital and Tesla stock sales, further demonstrates his bold business strategies and influence in the tech world.
2. Jeff Bezos
- Age: 61
- Residence: United States
- Title: Founder and Executive Chair, Amazon
- Net Worth: $256 billion
Jeff Bezos’s journey began in a Seattle garage in 1994 with the launch of Amazon.com, initially conceived as an online bookstore. He transitioned to entrepreneurship after leaving the hedge fund D.E. Shaw, despite his former boss’s lack of interest in his online retail idea. Amazon has since expanded dramatically, evolving into a global e-commerce giant projected to surpass Walmart as the world’s largest retailer. Amazon’s diverse acquisitions, including Whole Foods and its entry into the pharmacy sector, highlight its continuous diversification strategy.
Bezos, who once held 16% of Amazon’s stock, transferred 4% to MacKenzie Scott in their divorce settlement. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly boosted Amazon’s stock value due to increased online shopping demand. Bezos stepped down as CEO on July 5, 2021, becoming Executive Chair, marking a shift in leadership but not influence.
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Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, pictured at a public event, representing his continued presence in the business and technology sectors.
Amazon went public in 1997, propelling Bezos to become the first person since Bill Gates in 1999 to achieve a net worth exceeding $100 billion. His ventures extend to aerospace with Blue Origin, media with The Washington Post, and even long-term projects like the 10,000-year clock. In July 2021, Bezos participated in Blue Origin’s first crewed spaceflight, coinciding with his peak wealth of $213 billion.
3. Mark Zuckerberg
- Age: 40
- Residence: United States
- Title: CEO and Chair, Meta Platforms
- Net Worth: $243 billion
Mark Zuckerberg’s ascent began at Harvard University in 2004, where he co-created Facebook (now Meta) with fellow students. As Facebook’s user base expanded beyond universities, Zuckerberg left Harvard to dedicate himself fully to the burgeoning social network. Today, he serves as CEO and Chair of Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook.
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Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, presenting at a Facebook event, highlighting his role in leading the world’s largest social media platform.
Facebook dominates as the world’s largest social networking service, generating revenue primarily through advertising. Meta’s portfolio includes Instagram, WhatsApp, Oculus, and Workplace, showcasing its diverse reach in social media, messaging, and virtual reality technologies.
Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan established the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative in 2015, focusing on leveraging technology for societal good, addressing issues from education and criminal justice reform to disease eradication.
4. Larry Ellison
- Age: 80
- Residence: United States
- Title: Co-founder, Chair, and CTO, Oracle
- Net Worth: $197 billion
Larry Ellison’s early life began in New York City. After briefly attending the University of Chicago, he moved to California and entered the field of computer programming. At Ampex, he met future collaborators Ed Oates and Bob Miner. In 1977, they founded Software Development Laboratories, which in 1979 launched Oracle, the first commercial relational database using Structured Query Language. Oracle’s success led to the company renaming itself Oracle Systems Corporation in 1982. Ellison stepped down as CEO in 2014 after 37 years of leadership.
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Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, speaking at a tech conference, demonstrating his continued influence in the software and technology industry.
Oracle is the second-largest software company globally, offering a wide range of cloud computing services, along with technologies like Java and Linux. Oracle’s history includes significant acquisitions like Sun Microsystems and Cerner, expanding its market presence and technological capabilities. Ellison’s philanthropic activities are largely focused on medical research, including a substantial donation to the University of Southern California for cancer research.
5. Bernard Arnault
- Age: 75
- Residence: France
- Title: CEO and Chair, LVMH
- Net Worth: $194 billion
Bernard Arnault, a French national, leads LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate. LVMH’s prestigious brand portfolio includes Louis Vuitton, Hennessey, Marc Jacobs, and Sephora, representing a significant portion of the global luxury market. Arnault’s wealth is primarily derived from his substantial stake in LVMH, managed through his investment firm Financiere Agache.
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Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, photographed in a business setting, illustrating his leadership in the luxury goods industry.
Initially trained as an engineer, Arnault’s business acumen became evident at his father’s construction company, Ferret-Savinel, which he took charge of in 1971. He transitioned the company to real estate as Férinel Inc. before venturing into luxury goods by acquiring and restructuring Financière Agache in 1984, eventually focusing on Christian Dior and Le Bon Marché. His investment in LVMH began in 1987, leading to his position as majority shareholder, board chair, and CEO by 1989.
6. Larry Page
- Age: 51
- Residence: United States
- Title: Co-founder and Board Member, Alphabet
- Net Worth: $181 billion
Larry Page’s path to becoming one of the wealthiest individuals began in a Stanford University dorm room in 1995. With Sergey Brin, he conceived a new approach to internet data extraction. Their initial search engine technology, Backrub, evolved into Google, founded in 1998. Page served as Google’s CEO until 2001 and again from 2011 to 2019.
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Larry Page, co-founder of Google and Alphabet, pictured at a conference, representing his ongoing role in technology and innovation.
Google is the world’s dominant internet search engine, handling over 92% of global search queries. Key acquisitions like YouTube and Android have further solidified Google’s market leadership. In 2015, Google underwent restructuring to become a subsidiary of Alphabet, a holding company. Page’s interests extend beyond internet technology to include space exploration and flying car ventures.
7. Sergey Brin
- Age: 51
- Residence: United States
- Title: Co-founder and Board Member, Alphabet
- Net Worth: $170 billion
Sergey Brin, born in Moscow, immigrated to the U.S. in 1979. His collaboration with Larry Page at Stanford led to the creation of Google in 1998. Brin served as Google’s president of technology and later in the same role at Alphabet until 2019, when Sundar Pichai became CEO.
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Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google and Alphabet, attending an event, highlighting his continued involvement in technology and philanthropic activities.
Google’s diverse offerings include Google Workspace, a suite of online tools, and a range of electronic devices. Brin is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in Parkinson’s disease research, through partnerships with organizations like The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
8. Bill Gates
- Age: 69
- Residence: United States
- Title: Co-founder, Microsoft
- Net Worth: $165 billion
Bill Gates’s career began at Harvard University in 1975 when he collaborated with Paul Allen to develop software for early microcomputers. This success prompted Gates to leave Harvard and co-found Microsoft with Allen. Microsoft has grown into the world’s largest software company, also producing personal computers, offering email services, and developing video game systems. The company has recently made significant investments in cloud computing.
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Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, pictured at a public event, representing his ongoing influence in technology and global philanthropy.
Gates transitioned from CEO to board chair at Microsoft in 2008 and later stepped down from both Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway boards in 2020. His wealth is largely managed through Cascade Investment LLC, a private investment firm with diverse holdings.
9. Warren Buffett
- Age: 94
- Residence: United States
- Title: CEO, Berkshire Hathaway
- Net Worth: $147 billion
Warren Buffett, a renowned value investor, began his investment journey early, filing his first tax return at age 14 from earnings as a paperboy. He first invested in Berkshire Hathaway in 1962, gaining majority control by 1965. Buffett expanded Berkshire Hathaway into insurance and other sectors starting in 1967.
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Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, photographed in an interview setting, highlighting his status as a legendary investor.
Known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” Buffett’s investment strategy focuses on acquiring undervalued companies for long-term growth. Berkshire Hathaway’s diverse portfolio includes insurance, energy distribution, railroads, and consumer products. Buffett is also recognized for his significant philanthropic contributions, having donated billions, primarily to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and his children’s charities.
10. Steve Ballmer
- Age: 68
- Residence: United States
- Title: Owner, Los Angeles Clippers
- Net Worth: $145 billion
Steve Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980, persuaded by Bill Gates to leave Stanford’s MBA program. He became Microsoft’s 30th employee and later succeeded Gates as CEO in 2000, a position he held until 2014. During his tenure, Ballmer oversaw Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype.
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Steve Ballmer, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers and former CEO of Microsoft, pictured at a basketball game, representing his diverse interests in technology and sports.
Ballmer is Microsoft’s largest individual shareholder and, after leaving Microsoft, purchased the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team in 2014. His relationship with Bill Gates dates back to their time as roommates at Harvard University.
Key Takeaways: Understanding Global Wealth
- Technology Dominates: Eight out of the top 10 billionaires amassed their fortunes in the technology sector, highlighting tech’s role in wealth creation.
- Innovation and Market Leadership: These individuals often lead companies that dominate their respective markets through innovation and strategic expansion.
- Diversification of Wealth: While company stock forms the bulk of their wealth, many diversify into other assets, including real estate, private companies, and philanthropic ventures.
Who is the World’s Richest Man in 2025?
As of February 3, 2025, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is identified as the world’s richest man, with a net worth of $433 billion.
Who is the Richest Woman in the World?
The richest woman globally is Alice Walton, with a net worth of $117 billion as of February 3, 2025, derived from her holdings in Walmart.
The Bottom Line: Pathways to Wealth
While becoming one of the richest billionaires may seem unattainable, the paths taken by these individuals offer valuable insights. Innovation in technology or mastering luxury retail are prominent routes. Alternatively, a focus on value investing, as exemplified by Warren Buffett, remains a viable strategy.
While some level of inherited wealth can provide a starting advantage, the most significant fortunes on this list originated from innovative ideas, coupled with creativity, relentless drive, and strategic networking, resulting in the creation of some of the world’s most influential companies.
