Oracle Founder Larry ellison Briefly Held ‘Richest Man in the World’ Title in the 1980s
Larry Ellison, the co-founder, executive chairman and chief technology officer of Oracle Corporation, experienced a fleeting moment as the worldS wealthiest individual in the 1980s, a testament to the explosive growth of the software industry and a pivotal moment in the rise of Silicon Valley. While now known for a net worth consistently ranking among the top globally, Ellison’s brief reign at the pinnacle of wealth underscores the dramatic fortunes made – and occasionally lost – during the early days of personal computing.
The surge in Oracle’s stock price in 1986 propelled Ellison to the top spot, though the title proved remarkably short-lived. This episode highlights the volatile nature of early tech valuations and foreshadows the immense wealth accumulation that would define the digital age. Today, Ellison continues to shape the tech landscape not only through Oracle, but also through significant philanthropic endeavors and close ties to political figures.
Beyond his business acumen, Ellison is recognized for his extensive charitable contributions.He has financed scientific research aimed at treating diseases and, in 2016, established the Ellison Medical Institute at the University of Southern California with a $200 million grant. Further demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy, Ellison has pledged to donate 95 percent of his wealth before his death.
Ellison maintains a diverse range of hobbies, including tennis, chess, and playing the guitar.
Recent years have seen Ellison cultivate a close relationship with former US President Donald Trump, appearing with him at events including those held inside the White House. In January of last year, Trump publicly expressed his preference for Ellison to acquire the TikTok platform, stating, “I prefer if Larry bought it, too.”
A photograph released by AFP shows Ellison alongside Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Masayoshi Son, founder and head of SoftBank Group, with President Trump speaking from a podium at the White House.
