Larry Ellison is one of the world’s richest and most influential tech titans, and his fortune has continued to draw global attention in 2025. The Oracle co-founder helped transform the software giant into a powerhouse in enterprise databases, cloud computing and AI infrastructure, a shift that has fueled dramatic swings in his net worth. In September, Ellison briefly surpassed Elon Musk as the world’s richest person after Oracle’s stock surged on blockbuster cloud deals, though rankings have since continued to fluctuate with market moves.
Learn more about him below.
Who Is Larry Ellison?
Ellison is a tech billionaire best known as the co-founder of Oracle Corporation, one of the world’s largest enterprise software companies. Born in 1944 in New York City and raised in Chicago, Ellison dropped out of college twice before moving to California, where he eventually helped launch Oracle in 1977. Beyond his role in tech, Ellison is known for his lavish lifestyle, including owning private jets, one of the world’s largest yachts, and the Hawaiian island of Lanai.
What Is Larry Ellison’s Net Worth Now?
As of December 2025, Ellison’s net worth is estimated at around $271 billion according to Forbes. His fortune has grown significantly in recent years thanks to Oracle’s stock surge, fueled by demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
How Did Larry Ellison Get Rich?
Ellison made his fortune by co-founding Oracle and growing it into a global powerhouse in database software and cloud services. The company became indispensable for corporations and governments worldwide. Over decades, Ellison held large stakes in Oracle stock, and his wealth has skyrocketed as the company’s valuation climbed. He has also made savvy investments, including stakes in Tesla, real estate, and his own Hawaiian island.
Larry Ellison back in 2009 on starting Oracle with $1,200:
“Our goal really was not so much to make a lot of money. I wanted to own a house, have a nice car, and work with interesting people on interesting things. Quite by accident, we built a product.”
Today, he’s the… pic.twitter.com/XfxfsBu9uv
— Chapman Entrepreneurship Organization (CEO) (@chapman_ceo) September 10, 2025
Is Larry Ellison the Richest Person on Earth?
No. Ellison may be one of the wealthiest people alive, but he isn’t currently No. 1. As of 2025, he ranks at No. 2 on the world’s wealthiest list, just behind Musk. Ellison also made history this year as only the second person ever to surpass a net worth of $400 billion, following Musk.
What Is Elon Musk’s Net Worth?
Musk has a net worth estimated at $488 billion as of December 2025, according to Forbes. He frequently trades the top spot on the world’s richest list with Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Ellison. Musk’s fortune is tied largely to Tesla’s stock price, as well as his stakes in SpaceX and other ventures.
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