Shift at the Top: Larry Ellison Overtakes Elon Musk as World’s Richest Person
The global financial landscape is experiencing a significant shake-up, with Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison recently surpassing Tesla and spacex CEO Elon Musk as the world’s richest person, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index and other financial publications. This change underscores the growing influence of the technology sector and investor confidence in emerging innovations.
Ellison’s Rise Fueled by Cloud and AI
Larry Ellison’s wealth surge is directly tied to the remarkable performance of Oracle, especially its success in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI). Positive investor sentiment stems from Oracle’s strong forecasts for revenue growth in its cloud infrastructure business and the securing of substantial, multi-million dollar contracts. Demand for the data center infrastructure essential for developing AI solutions is a key driver behind Oracle’s soaring stock value.
On September 10th, the Bloomberg Billionaires Index reported Ellison’s net worth reached $393 billion, exceeding Musk’s estimated $385 billion. This represents a record-breaking one-day wealth increase of $101 billion (or $89 billion, according to some sources). Ellison, who co-founded Oracle in 1977 and remains a leading figure within the company, has built his fortune over decades through strategic vision and a consistent ability to adapt to evolving technological trends, with a current focus on cloud computing and AI.
Musk Slides to Second Place
Elon Musk held the title of world’s richest person for nearly a year. His wealth remains substantial, anchored by his leadership of Tesla and SpaceX. While Tesla’s share value experienced a slight dip in 2025, the company’s achievements and future potential continue to contribute significantly to his fortune. SpaceX, a leader in space exploration and rocket technology, is currently valued between $350-400 billion.
However, Musk’s wealth has experienced fluctuations. Estimates of his net worth ranged from $330-340 billion earlier in 2025 to $385 billion following a decline in Tesla’s stock. This instability allowed Ellison to claim the top spot.
Technology Drives Financial Leadership
These shifts in the rankings of the world’s wealthiest individuals highlight the continued dominance of the technology industry in the global economy. Both Musk and Ellison are technology titans, but their success stems from different areas.Musk’s wealth is closely linked to electric vehicles and space technology, while Ellison’s is rooted in the increasingly vital software and data center business – a cornerstone of the current AI revolution.
This dynamic emphasizes the critical importance of monitoring market trends and capitalizing on new opportunities. The rapid expansion of cloud computing infrastructure and artificial intelligence is reshaping the financial world, rewarding companies that provide these essential technologies and demonstrating the power of innovation and strategic investment to redefine global power and influence.