Top 10 Richest People In The World [2024]
The world’s economic landscape is often shaped by a select group of individuals whose immense wealth and influence transcend borders and industries. These individuals, known as billionaires, hold the power to sway markets, create new industries, and impact global financial systems. The Forbes billionaires list serves as a testament to the extraordinary success achieved through innovation, strategic investments, and entrepreneurial acumen. As of April 1, the 10 richest people on the planet are worth a combined $1.59 trillion—$28 billion more than a month ago.
From tech magnates to retail moguls, the top 10 richest people in the world command staggering fortunes that not only reflect their personal achievements but also underscore the dynamic nature of wealth accumulation in the modern era. In this article, we delve into the lives and fortunes of these financial titans, exploring their net worth, business ventures, and the profound impact they have on the global economy.
Who are the top 10 richest people in the world?
- Bernard Arnault
- Jeff Bezos
- Elon Musk
- Mark Zuckerberg
- Larry Ellison
- Warren Buffett
- Bill Gates
- Larry Page
- Steve Ballmer
- Sergey Brin
- Bernard Arnault
Net worth: $226.2 billion
Source: LVMH/ luxury goods
Age: 75
Residence: Paris
Citizenship: France
Bernard Arnault is the CEO and chairman of LVMH (LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), a leading luxury goods group. With a net worth of $226.2 billion, he regained the top spot as the world’s richest person on January 31, 2024, surpassing Elon Musk, and has maintained this position throughout February and March. Arnault’s vast empire includes some 70 prestigious fashion and cosmetics brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Moet & Chandon, Sephora, and Tiffany & Co.
He kickstarted his journey using $15 million from his father’s construction business to acquire Christian Dior. All five of Arnault’s children are involved in various aspects of the LVMH empire, with two of his sons recently nominated to the board. Despite a slight decline in LVMH stock in April 2024, Arnault remains at the top of the wealth rankings.
- Jeff Bezos
Net worth: $198.4 billion
Source: Amazon
Age: 60
Residence: Miami, Florida
Citizenship: U.S.
Jeff Bezos is the founder and former CEO of Amazon, the renowned e-commerce giant. His net worth of $198.4 billion places him as the second richest person globally. Bezos, who also founded Blue Origin, a private rocket company, saw his fortune increase by nearly $3 billion in March 2024 due to a rise in Amazon stock.
His entrepreneurial journey began with Amazon’s humble origins as an online bookseller in Seattle. Bezos has consistently juggled between the top two spots on the wealth charts with Elon Musk, due to the fluctuations in Amazon and Tesla stock prices. Despite his divorce from MacKenzie in 2019, Bezos continues to be a major player in various ventures beyond Amazon, including investments in companies like Airbnb and Workday.
- Elon Musk
Net worth: $195.3 billion
Source: Tesla, SpaceX, X (Twitter)
Age: 52
Residence: Austin, Texas
Citizenship: U.S.
Elon Musk, aged 52, resides in Austin, Texas, USA, and is the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and the social media company formerly known as Twitter. With a net worth of $195.3 billion, Musk ranks as the third richest person globally. Originally from South Africa, Musk’s entrepreneurial journey saw him co-found companies like PayPal, and SpaceX, and later join Tesla as an investor and chairman before assuming the CEO position.
In November 2021, his fortune peaked at a whopping $320 billion. Musk was also the world’s richest person for most of 2022—until December 2022, when a drop in Tesla’s share price pushed down the value of his fortune. Despite occasional setbacks in stock prices and legal issues, Musk has consistently remained at the forefront of innovation and wealth accumulation. His fortune experienced a slight decline in March 2024, primarily due to a drop in Tesla’s stock value.
- Mark Zuckerberg
Net worth: $170.3 billion
Source: Meta (Facebook)
Age: 39
Residence: Palo Alto, California
Citizenship: U.S.
Mark Zuckerberg is the co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook). With a net worth of $170.3 billion, Zuckerberg is among the top billionaires globally. Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, commands a massive user base worldwide.
Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have pledged the majority of their stock towards philanthropic causes, including initiatives aimed at tackling disease prevention and human potential enhancement. Despite a slight decrease in Meta’s stock price in March 2024, Zuckerberg remains a prominent figure in both the tech industry and philanthropy.
- Larry Ellison
Net worth: $155.2 billion
Source: Oracle
Age: 79
Residence: Woodside, California
Citizenship: U.S.
Larry Ellison is the co-founder and former CEO of Oracle Corporation. With a net worth of $155.2 billion, Ellison is a significant figure in the tech industry. Oracle, under Ellison’s leadership, made substantial acquisitions over the years, including Sun Microsystems. Ellison’s diverse investments range from real estate to technology, including a stake in Tesla and previous service on its board. Despite briefly dropping to the fifth spot in February 2024, Ellison’s fortune rebounded in March due to a surge in Oracle’s stock price.
- Warren Buffett
Net worth: $138.6 billion
Source: Berkshire Hathaway
Age: 93
Residence: Omaha, Nebraska
Citizenship: U.S.
Warren Buffett is the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and is one of the most successful investors of all time. With a net worth of $138.6 billion, Buffett is renowned for his investing prowess and philanthropy. Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio includes companies like Geico, Duracell, and Dairy Queen. Buffett’s commitment to philanthropy, particularly through the Giving Pledge, reflects his desire to make a significant impact beyond his wealth. Despite his advanced age, Buffett’s fortune continued to rise in March 2024, primarily due to an uptick in Berkshire Hathaway shares.
- Bill Gates
Net worth: $131.3 billion
Source: Microsoft, investments
Age: 68
Residence: Medina, Washington
Citizenship: U.S.
‎Bill Gates is the co-founder and former CEO of Microsoft Corporation. With a net worth of $131.3 billion, Gates is a prominent figure in technology and philanthropy. Microsoft, which Gates co-founded with Paul Allen, became a dominant force in the software industry. Gates’ philanthropic efforts, notably through the Gates Foundation, have focused on global health, education, and poverty alleviation.
In 2021, he divorced Melinda French Gates, with her receiving an estimated $10 billion in stock and other assets as part of the settlement. Despite stepping back from day-to-day operations at Microsoft, Gates remains active in various investments and philanthropic endeavors. His fortune saw a modest increase in March 2024, reflecting his continued influence in both business and philanthropy.
- Larry Page
Net worth: $126 billion
Source: Google Age: 51
Residence: Palo Alto, California
Citizenship: U.S.
Lawrence Edward Page is an American businessman, computer scientist, and internet entrepreneur best known for co-founding Google. With a net worth of $126 billion, Page is a key figure in the technology industry. Google, which Page co-founded with Sergey Brin in 1998, revolutionized online search and evolved into Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google and various other ventures.
Page’s interests extend beyond Google, with investments in projects like asteroid mining company Planetary Resources, which was acquired by blockchain firm ConsenSys in 2018. Page’s fortune rose by nearly $11 billion in March 2024 as Alphabet shares advanced.
- Steve Ballmer
Net worth: $124.5 billion
Source: Microsoft, Clippers, investments
Age: 68
Residence: Hunts Point, Washington
Citizenship: U.S.
Steve Ballmer is the former CEO of Microsoft Corporation from 2000 to 2014. Ballmer joined Microsoft on June 11, 1980, and became Microsoft’s 30th employee and the first business manager hired by Gates. With a net worth of $124.5 billion, Ballmer transitioned from leading Microsoft to owning the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team.
Despite his departure from Microsoft, Ballmer’s fortune remains tied to the company’s performance, which saw a notable increase in stock price in the past month. Ballmer’s philanthropic efforts, alongside his wife Connie, further underscore his commitment to giving back to society.
- Sergey Brin
Net worth: $121.1
Source: Google
Age: 50
Residence: Los Altos, California
Citizenship: U.S.
Sergey Brin is the co-founder of Google. With a net worth of $121.1 billion, Brin remains a significant figure in the technology landscape. Google, under Brin’s leadership alongside Larry Page, revolutionized internet search and expanded into various other ventures under Alphabet Inc. Brin’s recent contributions of $1.25 billion to research Parkinson’s disease demonstrate his commitment to using his wealth for meaningful causes. Despite his semi-retirement, Brin’s fortune continues to reflect his enduring impact on the tech industry.
