The net worths of the wealthiest people in the world have been growing at crazy rates. Part of the growth, of course, is a direct result of the tech boom that has been gaining steam over the past nearly three decades. Just ten years ago, in 2010, the 10 richest people in the world had a total wealth of $269.8 billion. Today, they are collectively worth $742 billion. That's an increase of 175%! Thirty years ago, in 1990, to make the list of the richest people in the U.S., one "only" had to be worth $260 million. Today, to be the poorest person on that list, you’d need a net worth of around $2 billion. In 1990, billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison, then 46, had a net worth of $365 million and was the 264th richest person in the U.S. Today, Ellison, 75, is worth $53 billion, is the 5th richest American, and the eighth richest person in the world.
Larry Ellison was born in the Bronx, New York on August 17, 1944. His mother was a 19-year-old single mother and Larry was raised by his great aunt and great uncle on the South Side of Chicago. Lillian and Louis Ellison legally adopted Larry when he was nine months old. Ellison didn’t find out that he was adopted until he was 12 years old and didn’t meet his biological mom until he was 48 years old. Ellison hopped around in college spending time studying at the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago before he dropped out and moved to Berkeley, California in 1966 at 22 years old.
Larry Ellison in 2001 (Photo By Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Over the next eight years, Ellison worked a series of jobs before landing a programmer job at Ampex, where his projects included a database for the CIA, which he named Oracle. In 1977, he founded Oracle with two partners and an investment of $2,000 – $1,200 of the money was his. In 1981, just four years after co-founding his own company, IBM chose Oracle to run its mainframes. For the next seven years, sales doubled each and every year. Ellison took Oracle public in March 1986. The company raised $31.5 million during its IPO.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Larry Ellison
- Early Life and Education
- Success with Oracle
- Financial Growth Over the Years
- Current Life and Ventures
Biography of Larry Ellison
Larry Ellison has become a household name in the tech industry, known for his role as the co-founder of Oracle Corporation. His journey from a challenging childhood to becoming one of the wealthiest individuals in the world is nothing short of inspiring. His story exemplifies resilience, innovation, and the power of technology in shaping fortunes.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Larry Ellison |
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1944 |
| Place of Birth | Bronx, New York |
| Net Worth (2023) | $53 billion |
| Company Founded | Oracle Corporation |
Early Life and Education
Ellison's early life was marked by challenges, including being raised by relatives after being adopted. Despite these hurdles, he showed a keen interest in technology from a young age. After attending various colleges, including the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago, he ultimately dropped out to pursue his passion in the tech field.
His move to California was pivotal, as it allowed him to immerse himself in the burgeoning tech culture of the 1960s. This environment would later inspire him to create Oracle, a company that would revolutionize database technology.
Success with Oracle
In 1977, Ellison and his partners launched Oracle, and its growth was remarkable. The company quickly became known for its innovative database solutions, gaining significant traction in the business world. By aligning with tech giants like IBM, Oracle solidified its place as a leader in the industry.
Ellison's strategic vision and relentless pursuit of excellence enabled Oracle to thrive, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s when database technology became essential for businesses. His ability to anticipate market needs and adapt quickly contributed to Oracle's sustained success.
Financial Growth Over the Years
Ellison's financial trajectory has been impressive, reflecting the broader trends in the tech industry. From a modest net worth of $365 million in 1990, he has seen his wealth skyrocket to $53 billion today. This growth is not only a testament to his business acumen but also to the explosive growth of the tech sector.
Throughout the years, Ellison's compensation has also seen remarkable increases, with Oracle's success translating into significant earnings for him. His financial story illustrates the potential rewards of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Current Life and Ventures
Today, Ellison continues to be active in the tech world, exploring new ventures and investments. He owns the Hawaiian island of Lanai and resides in a luxurious estate in California. His lifestyle reflects both his success and his ongoing commitment to technology.
Ellison remains a prominent figure in discussions about technology and business, often sharing insights on the future of the industry. His journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark.
As we reflect on Larry Ellison's life, it's clear that his story is one of resilience and innovation. From humble beginnings to becoming a tech titan, Ellison exemplifies what it means to pursue one’s passion relentlessly.
