Illustration: SRF News, Switzerland
As of February 2025, the list of the ten wealthiest people in the world is as follows:
1.Elon Musk
- Age: 53
- Country: USA
- Companies: Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Company
- Net Worth: $433.9 billion
Elon Musk was born in South Africa to an engineer and a model. At 17, he moved to Canada and later to the USA, where he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with degrees in physics and economics. In 1995, he founded Zip2, launching X.com, which became PayPal. In 2002, he founded SpaceX, and in 2004, he joined Tesla as CEO. He also established Neuralink and The Boring Company. In December 2024, his net worth exceeded $400 billion, making him the first person to reach this level of wealth.
2. Jeff Bezos
- Age: 61
- Country: USA
- Companies: Amazon, Blue Origin, The Washington Post
- Net Worth: $239.4 billion
Jeff Bezos founded Amazon in 1994, starting with online book sales. The company rapidly expanded, becoming the world’s largest online retailer. In 2000, Bezos founded the aerospace company Blue Origin, and in 2013, he acquired The Washington Post. In 2021, he stepped down as Amazon’s CEO but remains involved in its strategic development.
3. Mark Zuckerberg
- Age: 40
- Country: USA
- Companies: Meta Platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)
- Net Worth: $211.8 billion
Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook in 2004 while studying at Harvard. The social network quickly gained popularity and became one of the largest globally. In 2012, the company acquired Instagram, and in 2014, WhatsApp. In 2021, Facebook rebranded to Meta Platforms, focusing on developing the metaverse.
4. Larry Ellison
- Age: 80
- Country: USA
- Companies: Oracle
- Net Worth: $204.6 billion
Larry Ellison founded Oracle in 1977, becoming one of the largest database software companies. He is known for his aggressive acquisition strategy, which fueled the company’s growth. In 2014, he stepped down as CEO but remains chairman of the board and chief technology officer.
5. Bernard Arnault
- Age: 75
- Country: France
- Companies: LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Moët & Chandon, Hennessy)
- Net Worth: $181.3 billion
Bernard Arnault leads LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate. He began his career in the family construction business before shifting to luxury, acquiring Christian Dior in 1984. Under his leadership, LVMH expanded its brand portfolio to include renowned names like Louis Vuitton and Sephora.
6. Larry Page
- Age: 51
- Country: USA
- Companies: Google, Alphabet
- Net Worth: $161.4 billion
Larry Page co-founded Google with Sergey Brin in 1998. Their search engine quickly dominated the internet. In 2015, Google reorganized into Alphabet, where Page served as CEO. 2019, he stepped down from operational management but remains a board member.
7. Sergey Brin
- Age: 51
- Country: USA
- Companies: Google, Alphabet
- Net Worth: $154.0 billion
Born in Moscow, Sergey Brin emigrated to the USA at six. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland before enrolling at Stanford, where he met Larry Page. Together, they founded Google in 1998, revolutionizing internet search. Google went public in 2004, making Brin a billionaire. In 2015, Google became Alphabet, where Brin served as president. He stepped down from operational management in December 2019 but remains a board member and a major shareholder.
8. Steve Ballmer
- Age: 68
- Country: USA
- Companies: Microsoft
- Net Worth: $147.0 billion
Steve Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 as its 30th employee. He played a crucial role in Microsoft’s commercial success, holding various leadership positions. In 2000, he became CEO, succeeding Bill Gates. Under his leadership, Microsoft expanded its products, including launching Windows XP and Xbox. He stepped down in 2014 and bought the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team.
9. Warren Buffett
- Age: 94
- Country: USA
- Companies: Berkshire Hathaway
- Net Worth: $142.0 billion
Known as the “Oracle of Omaha”, Warren Buffett started investing at a young age. In 1965, he took control of the textile company Berkshire Hathaway, transforming it into a conglomerate investing in insurance, energy, and consumer goods. Buffett is famous for value investing and philanthropy, pledging most of his fortune to charity.
10. Jensen Huang
- Age: 62
- Country: USA
- Companies: NVIDIA
- Net Worth: $140.0 billion
Jensen Huang founded NVIDIA in 1993, focusing on graphics processing units (GPUs). Under his leadership, the company became a leader in graphics technology, with applications beyond gaming, including AI and autonomous vehicles. In 2024, NVIDIA’s valuation surpassed $3.6 trillion, making it one of the world’s most valuable companies.
These ten entrepreneurs have accumulated immense wealth and significantly influenced the modern world by contributing to technology, industry, and philanthropy.
Have you ever noticed how some people achieve financial success after the age of 40, 50, or even 60? It’s not just luck, but the result of conscious habits and actions they develop throughout their lives. In the article “7 Habits of People Who Achieve Wealth in Later Life” we will explore important daily practices that help people in their mature years create wealth and achieve financial well-being.
