As of January 24, 2025, the world’s top 10 richest individuals have amassed significant wealth through various industries, primarily in technology and luxury goods. Below is a detailed overview of these billionaires, including their net worth, educational background, and primary companies where they hold substantial shares.
1) Elon Musk
- Net Worth: $432 billion
- Education: Bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
- Primary Companies:
- Tesla: CEO and largest shareholder with a 13% stake.
- SpaceX: Founder and CEO.
- X (formerly Twitter): Owner with a 79% stake.
- xAI: Founder.
2) Jeff Bezos
- Net Worth: $244.9 billion
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Princeton University.
- Primary Companies:
- Amazon: Founder and former CEO; retains a significant shareholding.
- Blue Origin: Founder.
3) Mark Zuckerberg
- Net Worth: $216.7 billion
- Education: Attended Harvard University; left to focus on Facebook.
- Primary Company:
- Meta Platforms (Facebook): Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO; holds a significant share.
4) Larry Ellison
- Net Worth: $188.4 billion
- Education: Attended the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago; did not graduate.
- Primary Company:
- Oracle Corporation: Co-founder and Chairman; holds a substantial share.
5) Bernard Arnault
Net Worth: $188.4 billion
Education: Graduated from École Polytechnique with an Engineering degree.
Primary Company:
LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton): Chairman and CEO; holds a significant share.
6) Larry Page
Net Worth: $174.1 billion
Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan; Master of Science in Computer Science from Stanford University.
Primary Company:
Alphabet Inc. (Google): Co-founder; holds a substantial share.
7) Sergey Brin
- Net Worth: $163.6 billion
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Maryland; Master of Science in Computer Science from Stanford University.
- Primary Company:
- Alphabet Inc. (Google): Co-founder; holds a significant share.
8) Bill Gates
- Net Worth: $162.1 billion
- Education: Attended Harvard University; left to co-found Microsoft.
- Primary Company:
- Microsoft Corporation: Co-founder; retains a substantial share.
9) Steve Ballmer
- Net Worth: $148.8 billion
- Education: Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Economics from Harvard University.
- Primary Company:
- Microsoft Corporation: Former CEO; holds a significant share.
10) Warren Buffett
- Net Worth: $146.4 billion
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska; Master of Science in Economics from Columbia University.
- Primary Company:
- Berkshire Hathaway: Chairman and CEO; holds a substantial share.
These individuals have not only achieved remarkable financial success but have also significantly influenced various sectors, including technology, e-commerce, and luxury goods. Their educational backgrounds vary, with some completing formal degrees, while others left academia early to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. Their primary companies, where they hold substantial shares, have been pivotal in their wealth accumulation and have had a profound impact on the global economy.
Do any of these billionaires donate significantly to charity?
Yes, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are well-known philanthropists. Together, they co-founded The Giving Pledge, encouraging billionaires to donate most of their wealth.
Which billionaire holds the highest stake in their company?
Elon Musk holds a 79% stake in X (formerly Twitter), making it the highest individual ownership stake among the top 10 richest people.
How many of the top 10 richest people are college dropouts?
Two—Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg both left Harvard University to focus on their entrepreneurial ventures.
What’s the youngest billionaire on this list?
Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest, aged 40 as of 2025, having founded Facebook at just 19 years old.
Who made their wealth fastest among the top 10?
Mark Zuckerberg became a billionaire at 23, the fastest among this elite group.