A remarkable group of individuals, through their innovative ideas and calculated investments, has positioned themselves at the peak of global prosperity. They have immense power and influence, especially in the technology, finance, and retail industries.
The Forbes magazine has listed the top 10 richest people in the world as of 2025. We uncover how they built their extraordinary fortunes by examining their remarkable achievements, business ventures, and the strategies that have propelled them to such monumental success.
Join us as we delve into the profiles of these billionaires, exploring their journeys, wealth-building techniques, and how they continue to shape the world’s economic landscape. Stay informed and discover who made the list, how they achieved their immense wealth, and the influence they wield on a global scale.
The world's top 10 wealthiest individuals have made significant contributions across various areas -- from technology and e-commerce to luxury goods and investment. Here’s a detailed look at the key accomplishments that have propelled them to the top of the wealth ladder.
Net worth: $421.2 billion
Source: SpaceX, Tesla, X (formerly Twitter), xAI, Boring Co.
Elon Musk kicks off 2025 as the world’s richest person, with a massive fortune of $421.2 billion. His wealth skyrocketed by $91 billion since December 1, largely due to a significant increase in SpaceX’s valuation following a deal to buy back insider shares. This deal placed SpaceX at a valuation of $350 billion, making it the most valuable private company in the world. Musk also leads Tesla and holds stakes in various companies, including X and the AI firm xAI.
Key accomplishments:
SpaceX: Musk founded SpaceX in 2002 with the vision of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonisation of Mars. SpaceX has revolutionised space exploration with reusable rockets and groundbreaking missions, including the successful launch of the Falcon Heavy, and the development of Starship for interplanetary travel.
Tesla: As the CEO of Tesla, Musk has played a pivotal role in popularising electric vehicles (EVs), making Tesla the most valuable car manufacturer in the world. Tesla’s innovations in electric vehicles and energy storage solutions have cemented Musk as a leader in sustainable energy.
X (formerly Twitter): Musk acquired X in 2022, transforming it into a platform centered on free speech, technology-driven innovation, and integration of artificial intelligence.
Net worth: $233.5 billion
Source: Amazon
The Amazon founder's wealth primarily stems from his significant stake in Amazon, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world.
Key accomplishments:
Amazon: Bezos founded Amazon in 1994, turning it from a small online bookstore into one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world. Amazon’s innovations in cloud computing (AWS), logistics, and retail reshaped the entire industry and made Bezos one of the world’s richest individuals.
Blue Origin: Bezos founded Blue Origin in 2000, focussing on space exploration. The company has been a key player in advancing reusable rocket technology, and Bezos himself made a historic suborbital flight aboard New Shepard in 2021.
Philanthropy: Through the Bezos Earth Fund, Bezos has committed $10 billion to address climate change and support conservation efforts.
Net worth: $209.7 billion
Source: Oracle
The co-founder of Oracle, Larry Ellison, maintains a fortune of $209.7 billion. Oracle, the tech giant he helped create, continues to be a major player in cloud computing and enterprise software solutions.
Key accomplishments:
Oracle: Ellison co-founded Oracle in 1977, turning it into one of the world’s leading providers of database software and cloud computing services. Oracle revolutionised enterprise computing and remains a dominant force in the tech sector.
Hawaiian Holdings: Ellison is also known for his acquisition of the Hawaiian Islands' largest private landholding. His investments in real estate and luxury projects have expanded his business interests.
Philanthropy: Ellison has made significant philanthropic contributions, particularly in the fields of education and health care, through his charitable foundations.
Net worth: $202.5 billion
Source: Meta (formerly Facebook)
Mark Zuckerberg, the face behind Meta, stands at the fourth position with $202.5 billion. Despite facing challenges in the tech industry, Zuckerberg’s continued push into virtual reality and the metaverse has helped sustain his wealth. Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook in 2004, which grew into the largest social media platform globally. Facebook's acquisitions, including Instagram and WhatsApp, expanded its influence across social media, advertising, and digital communications.
Net worth: $168.8 billion
Source: LVMH (luxury goods)
Bernard Arnault, the French luxury goods magnate, maintains a net worth of $168.8 billion. As the chairman and CEO of LVMH, which owns brands like Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, Arnault continues to dominate the luxury sector globally.
Net worth: $156 billion
Source: Google
Larry Page, co-founder of Google, holds a fortune of $156 billion. Google remains a powerhouse in internet services, advertising, and cloud computing. Page has also invested in other ventures through his company, Alphabet.
Net worth: $149 billion
Source: Google
Sergey Brin, the other co-founder of Google, follows closely behind Page with a net worth of $149 billion. His investments in cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, continue to grow his wealth.
Net worth: $141.7 billion
Source: Berkshire Hathaway
Warren Buffett is one of the most legendary investors in history. The Oracle of Omaha’s investments through Berkshire Hathaway have consistently delivered strong returns.
Net worth: $124.3 billion
Source: Microsoft, Clippers, Investments
Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft and current owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, has a net worth of $124.3 billion. His wealth comes from his contributions to Microsoft’s success and his investments in sports and other ventures. Ballmer served as the CEO of Microsoft from 2000 to 2014, overseeing the company’s dominance in personal computing, enterprise software, and cloud computing. Under his leadership, Microsoft became a trillion-dollar company. Ballmer is also the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team, where he has invested in improving the team and the fan experience.
Net worth: $117.2 billion
Source: Nvidia
Jensen Huang, the CEO and co-founder of Nvidia, rounds out the top 10 with a net worth of $117.2 billion. Nvidia, a leader in graphics processing units (GPUs) and artificial intelligence hardware, has seen massive growth, propelling Huang’s wealth to new heights.
These top 10 billionaires represent some of the most influential individuals in the tech, finance, and luxury sectors. Their wealth, as reflected in the Forbes list, showcases not just their business successes but also the rapidly changing landscape of global industries.
(By arrangement with livemint.com)