Larry Ellison: World’s Richest Person 2025.
As of September 10, 2025, Larry Ellison has ascended to the position of the world’s richest person, with a staggering net worth estimated at US $393 billion according to multiple reputable sources: Bloomberg, Business Insider, Investopedia, Reuters, and Fortune .
This monumental leap came with a jaw-dropping $100+ billion gain in a single day, fueled by a surge in Oracle’s share price following a phenomenal quarterly earnings report and groundbreaking AI-cloud infrastructure contracts .
Oracle’s shares soared by up to 43% in intraday trading, reaching record highs .
The company secured multi-billion-dollar AI and cloud contracts, including massive deals with OpenAI and a major initiative dubbed “Stargate.” CEO Safra Catz highlighted projections for continued growth.
Oracle Leadership & Shareholding
Ellison holds around 1.16 billion shares, representing approximately 41% of Oracle. The share repurchase strategy over years, reducing total outstanding shares, has significantly magnified his wealth per share .
Net Worth (2025) ~$393 billion
Key Driver Oracle’s AI/cloud surge
Stake in Oracle ~41% (~1.16 billion shares)
Wealth Boost $100+ billion in a single day
Biography: From College Dropout to Tech Titan
Early Life & Education
Born: August 17, 1944, in New York City (Bronx) .
After severe pneumonia at nine months, he was sent to live with his adoptive aunt and uncle in Chicago, Lillian and Louis Ellison. Lillian died when he was in college, deeply affecting him .
He enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (1962) and briefly at the University of Chicago, but dropped out both times .
Early Career & Founding Oracle
Worked as a computer programmer in California, including stints at Ampex and Precision Instruments .
In 1977, co-founded Software Development Labs with two colleagues—this evolved into Oracle Corporation, named after its flagship database product.
Oracle went public in 1986 and eventually became a dominant force in enterprise database software through innovation and strategic acquisitions like PeopleSoft, Siebel Systems, Sun Microsystems, Cerner, and NetSuite .
Oracle Leadership
Served as CEO of Oracle from 1977 to 2014.
In 2014, he became Executive Chairman and Chief Technology Officer .
Oracle continues to expand, especially in cloud and AI infrastructure, which has been central to Ellison’s wealth surge .
Personal Ventures & Philanthropy
Owns 98% of the Hawaiian island Lānaʻi, where he lives and conducts business & wellness ventures.
Philanthropic contributions include a $200 million donation to establish the Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC, with expansions in Oxford and significant global grants .
Personal Life
Married six times; notable marriages include Barbara Boothe (two children, David and Megan) and Melanie Craft (married 2003–2010) .
David and Megan Ellison are active film producers.
Political contributions span both parties; he has hosted fundraisers and made sizable donations to various PACs .
In 2022, purchased a record-setting $173 million estate in Florida .