Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle Corporation, is a billionaire tech mogul and one of the richest people in the world. Known for his business acumen and visionary leadership, Ellison has amassed a significant net worth over the years. As of November 2023, his estimated net worth stands at a staggering $130 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Ellison’s journey to success began when he co-founded Oracle in 1977 and served as its CEO for nearly four decades. Under his guidance, Oracle grew to become one of the most valuable tech companies globally. Ellison’s contributions as a software engineer and business tycoon have earned him the distinction of being one of the highest-paid CEOs in history.
Beyond his business achievements, Ellison is also known for his philanthropy. He has made significant charitable donations, supporting various causes and making a positive impact on society. Ellison’s success and wealth have positioned him as a prominent figure in both the business and philanthropic worlds.
Stay tuned to discover more about Larry Ellison’s early life, education, career, wealth, investments, and contributions in this in-depth article.
Key Takeaways:
Larry Ellison is the co-founder of Oracle Corporation and one of the richest people in the world.
As of November 2023, Ellison’s net worth is estimated at $130 billion.
He is known for his role as a tech mogul, highest-paid CEO, and philanthropist.
Ellison’s journey to success began with the founding of Oracle in 1977.
His philanthropic efforts have made a positive impact on various causes.
Early Life and Education of Larry Ellison
Larry Ellison was born on August 17, 1944, in New York City. His birth mother, Florence Spellman, was an unwed Jewish woman, and his biological father was an Italian-American United States Army Air Corps pilot. Due to his mother’s illness, Ellison was adopted by his aunt and uncle at a young age. He grew up in a Reform Jewish household, but later in life, he became a religious skeptic.
Ellison attended South Shore High School in Chicago before pursuing higher education. He initially enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied physics and mathematics. However, he dropped out after his second year and moved to California. Ellison then briefly attended the University of Chicago, where he continued his studies in computer science. However, he also left without completing a degree.
Despite not finishing his formal education, Ellison’s passion for software engineering and his innate talent propelled him into a successful career in the tech industry.
“I started developing software when I was about 13 years old. I found that it was something I could do that I enjoyed, and I was very good at it. That passion and talent drove me to pursue a career in technology and ultimately co-found Oracle Corporation.”
Larry Ellison’s Early Career and Oracle
In the early 1970s, Larry Ellison worked at Ampex Corporation, where he discovered Edgar F. Codd’s groundbreaking research on relational database design. This inspired Ellison to establish Software Development Laboratories (SDL), which later became Relational Software Inc. and eventually transformed into Oracle Systems Corporation. Ellison’s vision was to develop a database management system based on Codd’s relational model.
When Oracle was first released, it was known as Oracle version 2 and was influenced by IBM’s System R database. Ellison recognized the potential of IBM’s technology and aimed to create a more accessible and user-friendly database system. Despite facing initial financial challenges and the competitive landscape, Oracle emerged as a prominent database vendor, rivaling Sybase and Microsoft SQL Server.
Oracle’s success was not without setbacks. In 1990, the company experienced a financial crisis resulting from an aggressive marketing strategy. This led to restating earnings and settling class-action lawsuits. However, Oracle rebounded and continued to dominate the database market, particularly on UNIX and Windows operating systems, competing with IBM’s DB2 and other competitors.
Throughout his career, Larry Ellison’s contributions to the development of Oracle and the database industry have been significant. His early career experiences and his vision for a user-friendly and accessible database system laid the foundation for Oracle’s success and longevity.
Larry Ellison’s Wealth and Earnings
Larry Ellison’s wealth is primarily derived from his holdings in Oracle, the company he co-founded. Although he stepped down as CEO in 2014, he retained his position as chairman and chief technology officer. Oracle shares account for approximately 75% of his net worth, positioning him as one of the highest-paid executives in the world.
Ellison’s net worth has experienced significant growth over the years, with a noteworthy increase of nearly $38 billion in 2023 alone. This surge in wealth can be attributed to the success and market performance of Oracle. In addition to his Oracle holdings, Ellison is also one of the largest individual shareholders of Tesla, further contributing to his financial standing.
Throughout his career, Ellison has received substantial compensation from Oracle, including salaries, bonuses, and stock grants. His exceptional earnings have propelled him to the upper echelons of wealth, placing him among the richest individuals globally. However, Ellison’s wealth is not solely focused on personal gain. He has also made significant charitable donations, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to society and supporting various causes.
Table: Larry Ellison’s Earnings and Charitable Donations
Year
Earnings
Charitable Donations
2018
$82.5 million
$32.9 million
2019
$78.4 million
$41.3 million
2020
$79.1 million
$38.7 million
2021
$83.6 million
$45.2 million
“I believe in using my wealth to make a positive impact on society. Philanthropy allows us to address critical issues and improve the lives of those in need.” – Larry Ellison
Ellison’s contributions extend beyond his financial success. He has established the Ellison Medical Foundation, which focuses on biomedical research and has made significant donations to educational institutions such as Stanford University. Furthermore, he has been involved in environmental initiatives and funded projects related to sustainable energy and conservation. Ellison’s philanthropic endeavors showcase his commitment to improving society and leave a lasting impact beyond his wealth accumulation.
Larry Ellison’s Other Investments and Assets
Aside from his involvement in Oracle and Tesla, Larry Ellison has made various other investments and acquired significant assets, diversifying his portfolio. These investments include:
Ownership of 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, a stunning piece of real estate known for its natural beauty and luxurious resorts.
A diverse real estate portfolio worth over $1 billion, consisting of properties in prime locations around the world.
Multiple yachts, showcasing his passion for sailing and providing him with a luxurious means of travel.
A collection of samurai art, reflecting Ellison’s appreciation for Japanese culture and the historical significance of these artifacts.
These investments and assets contribute to Ellison’s overall wealth and showcase his diverse interests beyond the tech industry. They also highlight his penchant for luxury and his ability to acquire unique and valuable assets.
Investments and Assets
Description
Hawaiian island of Lanai
Ellison owns 98% of Lanai, a beautiful island in Hawaii known for its stunning landscapes and high-end resorts.
Real estate portfolio
Ellison’s real estate holdings include properties in prime locations around the world, contributing to his overall net worth.
Yachts
Ellison owns multiple luxurious yachts, providing him with a means of travel and showcasing his love for boating and sailing.
Samurai art collection
Ellison has a collection of samurai art, reflecting his appreciation for Japanese culture and the historical significance of these artifacts.
In addition to these investments, Ellison’s stake in Tesla as one of the company’s largest individual shareholders further diversifies his portfolio and contributes to his overall wealth.
Ellison’s diverse investments and assets, including his ownership of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, real estate portfolio, yachts, and samurai art collection, showcase his wealth and highlight his varied interests beyond the tech industry. These holdings contribute to his overall net worth and serve as a testament to his success as a business tycoon.
Larry Ellison vs. Other Wealthy Individuals
When it comes to net worth rankings, Larry Ellison holds a prominent position among the world’s wealthiest individuals. With an estimated net worth of $130 billion, Ellison currently ranks fifth on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. While his wealth is substantial, he is outranked by Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, and Elon Musk, the innovative entrepreneur behind companies like Tesla and SpaceX. Topping the list is Bernard Arnault, the chairman of LVMH, with a net worth of $225 billion. Ellison’s position among these incredibly wealthy individuals showcases his success and financial prowess.
Comparing Ellison’s net worth to that of Jeff Bezos, the gap between them is significant. Bezos, with a net worth of approximately $190 billion, holds the second spot on the list. However, as both individuals continue to navigate their respective business ventures and investments, their positions on the ranking can fluctuate.
Elon Musk, with a net worth of $235 billion, has outranked both Ellison and Bezos, currently holding the top position on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Musk’s success can be attributed to his innovative ventures in industries such as electric vehicles, space exploration, and sustainable energy. Despite Ellison’s impressive wealth, he still falls behind Musk’s substantial net worth.
Net Worth Rankings of the Richest People in the World
Rank
Name
Net Worth
1
Elon Musk
$235 billion
2
Bernard Arnault
$225 billion
3
Jeff Bezos
$190 billion
4
Bill Gates
$140 billion
5
Larry Ellison
$130 billion
These rankings provide a glimpse into the immense wealth held by a select few individuals, with Ellison’s net worth placing him among the richest people in the world. While his position may change over time, his contributions and achievements in business have solidified his status as a notable figure in the global financial landscape.
Larry Ellison’s Historic Rise to Third Richest Person
Larry Ellison experienced a historic rise in his wealth rankings, reaching the third spot on Forbes’ calculations. This achievement came as Oracle’s stock surged to all-time highs, driven by investor interest in generative artificial intelligence. Ellison’s net worth saw a significant increase, jumping 4% to $152 billion in a single day. This surge in wealth left Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, behind in the rankings.
This remarkable ascent showcases the impact of Oracle’s stock surge and Ellison’s strategic investments in emerging technologies. The growing adoption of generative artificial intelligence has propelled Oracle’s growth and contributed to Ellison’s skyrocketing net worth. As businesses increasingly embrace AI-driven solutions, Oracle’s position at the forefront of this technological revolution has solidified Ellison’s status as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
The surge in Ellison’s net worth also reflects his role as a shrewd investor, capitalizing on emerging market trends and leveraging his industry expertise. Oracle’s success in the AI space, combined with Ellison’s calculated investments, has driven not only his personal wealth but also reaffirmed Oracle’s position as a leading technology company. With Ellison now the third-richest person in the world, his influence and impact continue to shape the business and tech landscape.
Larry Ellison’s Legacy in the Tech Industry
Larry Ellison has had a profound impact on the tech industry, leaving behind a lasting legacy of technological innovation and influential leadership. As a co-founder of Oracle and a pioneer in the database industry, Ellison revolutionized the way businesses store and manage data. His visionary mindset and relentless pursuit of excellence have shaped the industry and set new standards for technology-driven solutions.
Ellison’s leadership style is characterized by a combination of engineering prowess and business acumen. He has consistently pushed boundaries, inspiring his team and the wider industry to reach greater heights. Under his guidance, Oracle has grown into one of the most valuable tech companies in the world, with a strong focus on cutting-edge technologies and solutions.
Throughout his career, Ellison has consistently demonstrated a commitment to technological innovation. He has spearheaded the development of groundbreaking products and solutions, setting new industry standards and challenging conventional thinking. From database management systems to cloud computing technologies, Ellison’s contributions have propelled the tech industry forward, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently and effectively.
Ellison’s legacy extends beyond his professional achievements. He has also made significant philanthropic contributions and has been actively involved in mentorship and supporting emerging entrepreneurs. With his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for making a difference, Ellison continues to inspire future generations of innovators and leaders in the tech industry.
The Impact of Larry Ellison’s Leadership
Conclusion
In summary, Larry Ellison’s net worth stands at an impressive $130 billion, solidifying his position as one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. His business achievements, particularly as a co-founder of Oracle, have propelled him to the status of a tech mogul and business tycoon.
However, Ellison’s impact extends beyond financial success. His philanthropic endeavors have made a significant difference in various causes, and his contributions to the tech industry have left a lasting impact. As a pioneer in the database industry, Ellison revolutionized the way businesses handle data, and Oracle’s success is a testament to his visionary leadership.
Overall, Larry Ellison’s legacy serves as an inspiration to future entrepreneurs and innovators. His net worth, business achievements, philanthropy, and impact on the tech industry have positioned him as a remarkable figure whose influence continues to shape the world.
FAQ
How much is Larry Ellison worth?
Larry Ellison’s estimated net worth is $130 billion.
What is Larry Ellison known for?
Larry Ellison is known for co-founding Oracle Corporation and his role as a business tycoon and tech mogul.
What is Larry Ellison’s background?
Larry Ellison was born in New York City and raised in a Reform Jewish household. He attended South Shore High School and studied at the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago.
How did Larry Ellison start his career?
Larry Ellison started his career as a software engineer and worked at Ampex Corporation before founding his own company, Software Development Laboratories, which later became Oracle Systems Corporation.
How did Oracle become successful?
Oracle became successful as a database vendor, competing with other companies like Sybase and Microsoft SQL Server. Despite facing financial challenges in the past, Oracle continued to dominate the database market.
What is Larry Ellison’s primary source of wealth?
Larry Ellison’s primary source of wealth is his holdings in Oracle, which account for approximately 75% of his net worth.
What other investments does Larry Ellison have?
In addition to his Oracle holdings, Larry Ellison is one of Tesla’s largest individual shareholders and also owns significant assets such as the Hawaiian island of Lanai and a real estate portfolio.
How does Larry Ellison compare to other wealthy individuals?
Larry Ellison is currently the fifth-wealthiest person in the world, narrowly ahead of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. He trails behind Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk.
How did Larry Ellison experience a rise in his wealth rankings?
Larry Ellison experienced a rise in his wealth rankings when Oracle’s stock surged, driven by investor interest in generative artificial intelligence. This led to a significant increase in his net worth.
What are Larry Ellison’s contributions beyond his financial success?
Larry Ellison is known for his philanthropic endeavors, making significant donations to various causes. He has also been involved in political donations and has been recognized as a mentor by Senator Tim Scott.
What is Larry Ellison’s legacy?
Larry Ellison’s legacy lies in his impact on the tech industry as a co-founder of Oracle and a pioneer in the database industry. His focus on technological innovation and leadership style have left a lasting imprint.
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