11. Jim Walton
James Carr “Jim” Walton, born on June 7, 1948, is an American businessman and one of the heirs to the Walmart fortune. He is the youngest son of Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, and Helen Walton. Like his siblings, Jim Walton has played a significant role in the Walmart family legacy, not only through his involvement in the family business but also through his work in banking and philanthropy.
Jim Walton grew up in Bentonville, Arkansas, where the Walton family made their mark. He attended the University of Arkansas, earning a degree in Business Administration in 1971, following a similar path as his brother Rob. After college, Jim initially focused on his career outside of Walmart, particularly in banking. He joined the family-owned Arvest Bank Group, which was then a small regional bank. Over time, Jim helped Arvest grow into one of the largest banks in the Midwest, with assets of over $20 billion and numerous branches across several states. His business acumen and leadership skills were key in expanding the bank’s operations, and he continues to serve as chairman of the bank’s board of directors.
In addition to his involvement with Arvest, Jim Walton served on Walmart’s board of directors for over a decade, from 2005 to 2016. His time on the board coincided with significant growth and changes in the company, particularly in the areas of global expansion, technological innovation, and e-commerce. While he chose to step down from the board in 2016, his role as a member of the Walton family ensures that his influence over the company remains strong.
Jim Walton is also deeply involved in philanthropic activities. As a member of the Walton Family Foundation, he has contributed to various causes, including education reform, environmental conservation, and community development. The foundation has made substantial contributions to charter schools, supporting innovation in education and providing opportunities for underserved communities.
Despite his vast wealth and success, Jim Walton is known for maintaining a relatively low profile, preferring to focus on his business ventures and philanthropic efforts rather than seeking public attention. He, like his siblings, has upheld the values instilled by his father, Sam Walton, focusing on hard work, humility, and giving back to society.
Jim Walton’s legacy is one of significant contributions to both the financial and retail industries, as well as his commitment to improving education and communities through his philanthropic work.
Net worth and industry
Jim Walton, heir to the Walmart fortune, has a net worth of about $60 billion. He is a member of one of the wealthiest families in the world.
Role in the world’s largest retailer
10. Michael Bloomberg
Michael Rubens Bloomberg, born on February 14, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts, is an American businessman, philanthropist, politician, and author. He is the founder of Bloomberg L.P., a global financial services, software, and media company, and served as the 108th Mayor of New York City from 2002 to 2013. Bloomberg is also known for his extensive philanthropic efforts and his advocacy on issues such as climate change, gun control, and public health.
Bloomberg grew up in Medford, Massachusetts, in a middle-class family. He attended Johns Hopkins University, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering in 1964. Later, he attended Harvard Business School, receiving an MBA in 1966. Bloomberg began his career on Wall Street, working at the investment bank Salomon Brothers, where he rose through the ranks. However, in 1981, he was laid off following a merger.
Using his severance package, Bloomberg founded his own company, Bloomberg L.P., in 1981. He revolutionized the financial services industry by providing real-time data, analytics, and financial news through the Bloomberg Terminal, a system that became essential for investors, traders, and analysts. Bloomberg L.P. expanded rapidly, becoming a global media giant with operations in financial software, data analytics, and news. Today, it remains a cornerstone of the financial world.
In 2001, Bloomberg entered politics, running for mayor of New York City as a Republican. He won the election and took office in 2002, following the September 11 attacks. Bloomberg served three terms as mayor, after successfully changing the city’s term-limit laws. During his time in office, Bloomberg focused on economic development, public health, education reform, and sustainability. He implemented policies that helped New York recover economically, improved the city’s public transportation, expanded public parks, and launched ambitious environmental initiatives, including PlaNYC, aimed at making the city more environmentally friendly.
After leaving office in 2013, Bloomberg returned to lead his company and increased his involvement in philanthropy. Through Bloomberg Philanthropies, he has donated billions of dollars to causes like climate change, public health, education, and the arts. He is also a vocal advocate for gun control, through his support of organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety.
Bloomberg briefly ran for president in 2020 as a Democrat, but after a short campaign, he withdrew and endorsed Joe Biden. His wealth, political influence, and philanthropic efforts have made Bloomberg one of the most prominent figures in both business and public service.
Net worth and industry
Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP, has a net worth of around $80 billion. His company provides financial data and media services globally.
Impact on finance and media
Bloomberg’s company is a staple in the financial industry, providing crucial data to investors and businesses worldwide. He’s also a major figure in politics, having run for the U.S. presidency and served as mayor of New York City.
9 Steve Ballmer
Steve Ballmer, born on March 24, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, is an American businessman and former CEO of Microsoft. He is best known for his tenure at Microsoft, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s direction and overseeing its growth into one of the largest technology firms in the world. Today, Ballmer is also the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, an NBA basketball team, and a prominent philanthropist.
Ballmer grew up in a middle-class family in Michigan. His father was a Swiss immigrant who worked as a manager at Ford Motor Company. Steve showed early academic promise, excelling in math and science. He attended Harvard University, where he earned a degree in applied mathematics and economics in 1977. At Harvard, Ballmer was known for his energetic personality and became friends with Bill Gates, who would later become a major influence on his career.
After graduating, Ballmer briefly worked at Procter & Gamble as a product manager before deciding to attend Stanford Graduate School of Business. However, in 1980, he left Stanford after just one year to join Microsoft, then a small but growing software company founded by Gates. Ballmer was hired as Microsoft’s first business manager, and his business acumen soon proved invaluable.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Ballmer played a central role in Microsoft’s expansion. He helped develop key strategies for selling the company’s software products, including the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office, both of which became highly successful. His leadership in sales and marketing helped the company secure dominant positions in the software industry.
In 2000, Ballmer succeeded Gates as CEO of Microsoft, a position he held until 2014. During his tenure, Ballmer oversaw the company’s expansion into new areas, including cloud computing, gaming (with the Xbox), and enterprise software. However, his leadership also faced criticism for missing opportunities in the mobile and search engine markets, where competitors like Apple and Google made significant advances. Despite this, Ballmer’s time as CEO saw Microsoft grow its revenue from $25 billion to $78 billion annually.
After stepping down as CEO, Ballmer purchased the Los Angeles Clippers in 2014 for a record $2 billion. Under his ownership, the team has experienced renewed investment and success on and off the court. Ballmer’s enthusiasm for the Clippers mirrors the energy he was known for during his time at Microsoft.
Beyond business, Ballmer has been deeply involved in philanthropy, focusing on initiatives related to education, poverty, and government accountability. In 2014, he and his wife, Connie, launched Ballmer Group, which works to improve economic mobility for underserved communities in the U.S.
Steve Ballmer is known for his passionate leadership style, his strategic mind, and his commitment to innovation, making him one of the most influential figures in both the technology and sports industries.
Net worth and industry
Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, is worth about $90 billion. He now owns the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers.
From tech to sports ownership
Ballmer’s transition from leading one of the world’s largest tech companies to owning an NBA team is a testament to his diverse business acumen. His passion for sports and philanthropy has made him a well-rounded billionaire.
8. Sergey Brin
Sergey Brin, born on August 21, 1973, in Moscow, Russia, is a renowned computer scientist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Google, one of the most influential technology companies in the world. Brin’s work in revolutionizing internet search and his contributions to the development of various cutting-edge technologies have made him one of the most prominent figures in Silicon Valley. As a driving force behind Google, Brin helped to transform the way information is accessed and utilized across the globe.
Brin’s family emigrated from the Soviet Union to the United States when he was six years old to escape persecution due to their Jewish heritage. They settled in Maryland, where Brin’s father became a professor of mathematics, and his mother worked as a NASA researcher. Growing up, Brin was drawn to math and science, excelling in these subjects throughout his education.
Brin attended the University of Maryland, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science in 1993. He then went on to pursue graduate studies in computer science at Stanford University. It was during his time at Stanford that Brin met Larry Page, with whom he would go on to create one of the most successful companies in history.
In 1996, while still students, Brin and Page began collaborating on a research project aimed at improving internet search engines. They developed a new algorithm, PageRank, that ranked web pages based on the number and quality of links pointing to them. This innovation formed the foundation of what would become Google. The duo founded Google in 1998, initially operating out of a garage in California.
Google quickly became the dominant search engine on the internet, thanks to its superior search algorithms and user-friendly interface. Brin, serving as Google’s president of technology, focused on developing new products and improving the company’s technology infrastructure. Under Brin and Page’s leadership, Google expanded beyond search to offer a wide range of products and services, including Gmail, Google Maps, Android, and YouTube, transforming it into a tech powerhouse.
In 2015, Google underwent a corporate restructuring, and Brin became president of Alphabet Inc., the new parent company of Google. In this role, he oversaw a number of Google’s ambitious projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles (Waymo), and life sciences (Verily). Brin stepped down as Alphabet’s president in 2019 but remains involved with the company as a board member and shareholder.
In addition to his work with Google, Brin is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Sergey Brin Family Foundation. He has supported causes related to education, health, and human rights, and has been an advocate for research into Parkinson’s disease, a condition that affects his mother.
Brin’s legacy is defined by his contributions to the development of the internet and technology. His work has had a profound impact on how people access information and interact with the digital world. As one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, Brin continues to influence the tech industry and remains committed to innovation and philanthropy.
Net worth and industry
Sergey Brin, another co-founder of Google, has a net worth exceeding $90 billion. He has been at the forefront of Google’s research into artificial intelligence and future technologies.
Contributions to AI and future technologies
Brin’s contributions to the tech world, especially in AI and search engine algorithms, have shaped the way modern technology interacts with everyday life. He continues to invest in futuristic projects and research.
7. Larry Page
Net worth and industry
Larry Page, co-founder of Google, has a net worth of over $100 billion. Google revolutionized the way people access information online and is now a global leader in internet services and products.
Leadership in search engine technology
6. Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg, born on May 14, 1984, in White Plains, New York, is an American entrepreneur and one of the most influential figures in the tech world. He is best known as the co-founder and CEO of Facebook, which later became Meta Platforms. Zuckerberg’s creation of Facebook revolutionized social media, transforming the way people connect and communicate globally.
Zuckerberg’s interest in computers and programming began at a young age. While still in high school, he created several software programs, showcasing his early talent for coding. In 2002, he enrolled at Harvard University, where his entrepreneurial journey took off. In 2004, at just 19 years old, Zuckerberg and his roommates launched Facebook from their dorm room. Initially designed as a social networking site for Harvard students, it quickly expanded to other universities and eventually became available to anyone over 13 years old worldwide.
Facebook’s rapid growth attracted significant investment, and in 2012, the company went public in one of the largest IPOs in tech history. Under Zuckerberg’s leadership, Facebook evolved into a platform with billions of users, acquiring popular services like Instagram and WhatsApp, and expanding into virtual reality with the purchase of Oculus.
In 2021, Zuckerberg rebranded Facebook as Meta Platforms, signaling a shift toward the development of the “metaverse,” a virtual and augmented reality-driven digital space where users can interact in immersive environments. This bold vision aims to shape the future of digital interaction, commerce, and entertainment.
Zuckerberg is also known for his philanthropic efforts. In 2015, he and his wife, Priscilla Chan, founded the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, a charitable organization focused on improving education, health, and scientific research.
Mark Zuckerberg’s influence on social media and technology has been profound, positioning him as one of the most prominent entrepreneurs of his generation, with a lasting impact on digital communication and connectivity.
Net worth and industry
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), has a net worth of around $100 billion. He created one of the world’s largest social media platforms, now expanding into virtual reality with the metaverse.
Innovation in social media
Zuckerberg’s influence on how people connect, communicate, and consume content is undeniable. Facebook redefined social interaction in the digital age, and his ongoing work in virtual reality aims to create immersive experiences for users.
5. Bill Gates
Net worth and industry
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, has a net worth of over $110 billion. Since stepping down from Microsoft, he has focused on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Transition to global health
Gates has shifted his focus from technology to global health and education, tackling issues like infectious diseases, climate change, and poverty through his foundation. His efforts have had a significant impact on public health and social progress.
4. Warren Buffett
Net worth and industry
Warren Buffett, often called the “Oracle of Omaha,” is worth around $120 billion. He is the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational conglomerate holding company.
Philosophy on wealth and business
Buffett is famous for his value investing approach, buying undervalued companies and holding them for the long term. His frugal lifestyle and commitment to philanthropy, donating billions to charitable causes, have also made him a beloved figure in the business world.
3. Larry Ellison
Net worth and industry
Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, has amassed a net worth of approximately $120 billion. His company, Oracle, is a leading provider of database software and cloud solutions.
: Influence in the tech sector
Ellison’s contribution to the tech world is immense, with Oracle playing a critical role in enterprise software, database management, and cloud computing. His investments in real estate and technology companies further add to his wealth.
2. Jeff Bezos
Net worth and industry
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has an estimated net worth of over $150 billion. He also owns Blue Origin, a private aerospace company focused on space tourism.
Impact on e-commerce and beyond
Bezos forever changed the way people shop. Amazon is a giant in e-commerce, cloud computing, and entertainment, making Bezos a titan of modern business. His ventures into space with Blue Origin are also making waves in the new space race.
1. Elon Musk
Elon Musk, born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa, is a visionary entrepreneur, inventor, and engineer who has made a profound impact on multiple industries, including electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. As the CEO and founder of companies like SpaceX and Tesla, Musk is widely recognized for his ambitious goals to revolutionize transportation on Earth and beyond, while also addressing some of the planet’s most pressing challenges, such as climate change.
Musk’s early life was marked by his fascination with technology and science fiction. At the age of 12, he taught himself computer programming and sold a video game he created. After completing high school in South Africa, Musk moved to Canada to attend Queen’s University before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned degrees in physics and economics.
In 1995, Musk moved to California to pursue a PhD in applied physics at Stanford University but dropped out after just two days to focus on entrepreneurship. He co-founded Zip2, a software company that provided online city guide software to newspapers. In 1999, Compaq acquired Zip2 for nearly $300 million, giving Musk his first major financial success. He then co-founded X.com, an online payment company, which eventually became PayPal after a merger. PayPal was later sold to eBay in 2002 for $1.5 billion.
Musk used his newfound wealth to launch SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies) in 2002 with the goal of reducing the cost of space travel and eventually enabling human colonization of Mars. SpaceX faced numerous challenges in its early years, but it eventually became the first privately funded company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station. Today, SpaceX is a leader in space technology, regularly launching satellites, resupplying the ISS, and developing the Starship rocket, which Musk hopes will one day carry humans to Mars.
In 2004, Musk joined Tesla Motors, an electric vehicle startup, as chairman and later became its CEO. Under his leadership, Tesla transformed the automotive industry by popularizing electric vehicles (EVs) and making them a mainstream option. With the launch of cars like the Model S, Model 3, and Model Y, Tesla became the world’s most valuable car company. Musk’s vision extends beyond cars to renewable energy solutions, such as solar power and energy storage through Tesla’s Powerwall and solar products.
Musk’s other ventures include The Boring Company, which aims to reduce traffic through tunnel-boring technology, and Neuralink, a company developing brain-computer interface technology. He also co-founded OpenAI, an organization dedicated to ensuring artificial intelligence benefits humanity.
Elon Musk is known for his relentless work ethic, bold visions, and sometimes controversial public persona. He is driven by a desire to solve large-scale problems, such as transitioning the world to sustainable energy and making life multi-planetary. His ambitious projects have often faced skepticism, but Musk has repeatedly proven his ability to turn futuristic ideas into reality.
As one of the most influential and polarizing figures in the modern tech landscape, Musk’s legacy is being shaped not only by his groundbreaking innovations but also by his determination to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Net worth and industry
Elon Musk, the eccentric entrepreneur, tops the list with a staggering net worth exceeding $250 billion. He is the CEO of Tesla, the world’s leading electric car manufacturer, and SpaceX, a private space exploration company. He also owns X (formerly Twitter), adding to his empire.
Key achievements and influence
Musk has revolutionized the auto industry by pushing electric vehicles into the mainstream, and his ambitions for Mars colonization through SpaceX have inspired a new era of space exploration. His influence extends into energy, transportation, and even social media, making him one of the most impactful figures of our time.