2024’s 10 Wealthiest People Worldwide

As a business analyst who’s been closely tracking global wealth trends, I’m excited to dive into the fascinating world of the ultra-wealthy in 2024. The landscape of billionaires has seen some intriguing shifts over the past year, with fortunes fluctuating amidst global economic challenges and technological advancements.

Based on data from the Real-Time Billionaires List, we’ll explore the top 10 richest individuals who have managed to not only maintain but grow their wealth to staggering heights. From tech moguls to luxury goods tycoons, these individuals represent the pinnacle of financial success in our current era.

1. Elon Musk – $264.7 billion

Elon Musk, the enigmatic entrepreneur and visionary, currently holds the title of the world’s richest person with a staggering net worth of $264.7 billion as of 2024. Born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971, Musk displayed an early aptitude for technology and business. He co-founded PayPal, which revolutionized online payments, before setting his sights on even more ambitious ventures.

Musk’s wealth primarily stems from his leadership roles in multiple groundbreaking companies. As the CEO and largest shareholder of Tesla, he has been instrumental in accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy through electric vehicles and solar technology. His aerospace company, SpaceX, has made significant strides in reducing space transportation costs and has ambitious plans for interplanetary travel.

In addition to his well-known ventures, Musk has also founded Neuralink, a neurotechnology company developing brain-computer interfaces, and The Boring Company, which aims to solve traffic problems through underground transportation systems. His acquisition of Twitter (now X) in 2022 for $44 billion further diversified his portfolio. Musk’s net worth has seen dramatic fluctuations due to the volatile nature of Tesla’s stock price, but his position at the top of the world’s wealth rankings remains secure, reflecting the immense value and potential of his various enterprises.

2. Jeff Bezos – $216.5 billion

Jeff Bezos, the founder and executive chairman of Amazon, holds the second position on the list of the world’s wealthiest individuals with a net worth of $216.5 billion in 2024. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1964, Bezos founded Amazon in 1994 as an online bookstore, which he grew into the world’s largest e-commerce and cloud computing platform.

Bezos’s wealth is primarily tied to his significant stake in Amazon, which has expanded far beyond its initial focus on books to become a global leader in e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. In addition to Amazon, Bezos owns Blue Origin, an aerospace company focused on developing reusable launch vehicles to lower the cost of space travel.

3. Larry Ellison – $209.1 billion

Larry Ellison, co-founder, executive chairman, and CTO of Oracle Corporation, ranks third among the world’s richest individuals with a net worth of $209.1 billion in 2024. Born in New York City in 1944, Ellison co-founded Oracle in 1977, which grew to become one of the largest software companies globally, specializing in database management systems.

Ellison’s wealth primarily comes from his substantial stake in Oracle, which has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly due to its advancements in cloud computing and artificial intelligence technologies. In addition to his role at Oracle, Ellison is known for his investments in other tech companies and his ownership of the Hawaiian island of Lanai.

4. Mark Zuckerberg – $198 billion

According to the Real-Time Billionaires List, Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), has solidified his position as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals with a net worth of $198 billion as of 2024. Born in White Plains, New York, in 1984, Zuckerberg’s journey to tech stardom began in his Harvard dorm room, where he created Facebook in 2004. The social networking platform quickly gained traction, leading Zuckerberg to drop out of college and focus on growing his company.

Under Zuckerberg’s leadership, Facebook expanded rapidly, acquiring popular platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. In 2012, the company went public in one of the largest tech IPOs in history, further boosting Zuckerberg’s wealth. His fortune is primarily tied to his stake in Meta Platforms, where he owns about 13% of the company’s shares. Zuckerberg’s vision extends beyond social media, as evidenced by the company’s rebranding to Meta in 2021, signaling a shift towards building the “metaverse” – an immersive digital world.

Despite facing numerous controversies and challenges, including concerns over user privacy and the spread of misinformation, Zuckerberg has continued to innovate and adapt. He has also made significant philanthropic commitments, pledging to give away 99% of his Facebook shares over his lifetime through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which he founded with his wife, Priscilla Chan. As Meta Platforms continues to evolve and expand into new technologies, Zuckerberg’s influence and wealth are likely to remain substantial in the coming years.

5. Bernard Arnault & family – $168 billion

Bernard Arnault, the French business magnate and chairman of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), has established himself as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals with a net worth of $168 billion in 2024. Arnault’s journey to the top of the luxury goods industry began in 1984 when he acquired the bankrupt textile group that owned Christian Dior. Through strategic acquisitions and a keen eye for luxury brands, Arnault transformed LVMH into a global powerhouse, overseeing approximately 75 prestigious brands across 60 subsidiaries.

Arnault’s wealth is primarily derived from his 48.6% stake in LVMH, which had a market capitalization of over $400.2 billion as of early June 2024. His business acumen and aggressive acquisition strategy have earned him nicknames such as “The Terminator” and “The Wolf in the Cashmere Coat”. Under his leadership, LVMH has consistently delivered strong financial results, with the company’s stock price reaching near all-time highs in early 2024.

Despite his immense wealth, Arnault is known for his relatively modest lifestyle and passion for art collecting. He owns works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. Arnault’s success has not been without challenges, including recent market fluctuations that have seen his net worth vary significantly. However, his long-term vision for LVMH and the luxury goods industry continues to drive the company’s growth and solidify his position among the world’s elite business leaders.

6. Larry Page – $141 billion

Larry Page, co-founder of Google and former CEO of Alphabet Inc., has amassed a fortune of $141 billion, securing his place among the world’s wealthiest individuals. Born in East Lansing, Michigan, in 1973, Page’s journey to tech stardom began at Stanford University, where he met Sergey Brin and developed the PageRank algorithm that would become the foundation of Google.

Page’s wealth primarily stems from his approximately 6% stake in Alphabet, the parent company of Google. Since Google’s initial public offering in 2004, Page has sold shares valued at more than $10 billion. His vision and leadership have been instrumental in Google’s expansion beyond search, including the development of the Android operating system and the acquisition of YouTube.

In addition to his role at Google and Alphabet, Page is known for his investments in cutting-edge technologies and sustainable energy. He was an early investor in Tesla Motors and has shown interest in flying cars and other futuristic projects. Page’s approach to innovation and his commitment to solving global challenges through technology continue to shape his investment strategies and philanthropic efforts. Although he stepped down as CEO of Alphabet in 2019, Page remains a board member and continues to influence the company’s long-term vision.

7. Warren Buffett – $139.8 billion

Warren Buffett, often referred to as the “Oracle of Omaha,” has solidified his position as one of the world’s most successful investors with a net worth of $139.8 billion in 2024. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1930, Buffett displayed an exceptional aptitude for business and investing from a young age. He purchased his first stock at the age of 11 and filed his first tax return at 13, setting the stage for his remarkable career in finance.

Buffett’s wealth primarily stems from his position as the CEO and largest shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway, a conglomerate that owns a diverse portfolio of businesses and investments. His investment philosophy, rooted in value investing principles, has consistently outperformed the market over decades. Buffett’s approach focuses on identifying undervalued companies with strong fundamentals and holding them for the long term.

Despite his immense wealth, Buffett is known for his frugal lifestyle and commitment to philanthropy. He still lives in the same modest home he purchased in Omaha in 1958 for $31,500. In 2006, Buffett pledged to give away 99% of his wealth to philanthropic causes, primarily through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. His annual donations of Berkshire Hathaway stock have already surpassed $50 billion in value. Buffett’s legacy extends beyond his financial success, as he continues to be a respected voice in the business world and an advocate for ethical investing and corporate responsibility.

8. Sergey Brin – $135 billion

Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google and board member of Alphabet Inc., has amassed a fortune of $135 billion, securing his place among the world’s wealthiest individuals. Born in Moscow in 1973, Brin immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of six. He met Larry Page while pursuing his Ph.D. in computer science at Stanford University, where they developed the PageRank algorithm that would become the foundation of Google.

Brin’s wealth is primarily derived from his stake in Alphabet, Google’s parent company. As the company expanded beyond search into areas such as mobile operating systems (Android), video sharing (YouTube), and cloud computing, Brin’s net worth grew exponentially. He served as the president of Alphabet until 2019, focusing on moonshot projects and emerging technologies.

Known for his interest in cutting-edge technology, Brin has invested in various futuristic projects, including autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence. He has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of Parkinson’s disease research and refugee support. Despite stepping back from day-to-day operations at Alphabet, Brin continues to wield significant influence in the tech industry and remains actively involved in shaping the company’s long-term vision.

9. Amancio Ortega – $128.5 billion

Amancio Ortega, the Spanish fashion tycoon and founder of Inditex, the parent company of Zara, has accumulated a net worth of $128.5 billion as of 2024. Born in 1936 in Busdongo de Arbás, Spain, Ortega’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the world’s wealthiest individuals is a testament to his business acumen and innovative approach to fashion retail.

Ortega’s wealth primarily comes from his majority stake in Inditex, which he founded in 1975. The company’s flagship brand, Zara, revolutionized the fashion industry with its “fast fashion” model, quickly turning the latest trends into affordable clothing. Inditex has since expanded to include other popular brands such as Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, and Bershka, operating thousands of stores worldwide.

Known for his reclusive nature and aversion to publicity, Ortega stepped down as chairman of Inditex in 2011 but remains actively involved in the company’s operations. He has diversified his wealth through significant real estate investments in major cities across the globe. Ortega’s philanthropic efforts focus on education and healthcare in Spain, including substantial donations to cancer research and treatment facilities.

10. Steve Ballmer – $122.1 billion

Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft and current owner of the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team, has amassed a fortune of $122.1 billion as of 2024. Born in Detroit in 1956, Ballmer’s path to wealth began when he dropped out of Stanford’s MBA program to join Microsoft in 1980 as the company’s 30th employee and first business manager.

Ballmer’s net worth is largely attributed to his long tenure at Microsoft, where he served as CEO from 2000 to 2014. During his time at the helm, Microsoft’s annual revenue surged from $23 billion to $77 billion, and the company expanded its reach into enterprise software, cloud computing, and gaming with the Xbox console. His significant ownership stake in Microsoft continues to be the primary source of his wealth.

Since retiring from Microsoft, Ballmer has focused on philanthropic endeavors and his ownership of the LA Clippers, which he purchased in 2014 for $2 billion. He and his wife, Connie, established Ballmer Group, a philanthropic organization that aims to improve economic mobility for children and families in the United States. Ballmer is also known for his energetic personality and has invested in USAFacts, a non-profit organization providing government data to the public in an accessible format.