Top 10 richest people in the world: A closer look at their wealth and influence

In a society fueled by ambition and entrepreneurial spirit, a notable group of individuals have amassed extraordinary wealth. These exceptional leaders, known for their vision and innovation, have risen to the pinnacle of success, securing their places among the world's richest individuals. Visionary leaders have achieved unprecedented wealth through innovation and strategic foresight in a world driven by ambition and entrepreneurial drive. As the global wealth landscape continues to evolve, we have seen a remarkable rise in wealth creation, with the net worth of the world’s wealthiest individuals experiencing a significant increase in FY 2023-24.

Billionaires significantly influence the global economy, politics, and philanthropy. There are 2,781 billionaires worldwide in 2024, with Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, being the wealthiest among them. The people on this list are part of an even more exclusive group, holding considerable power. Many of them are the founders of major tech companies and have much of their wealth invested in the enterprises they created.

Given their substantial holdings in publicly traded stocks, the net worth of the wealthiest individuals tends to fluctuate in tandem with the market valuations of the companies they own. The list of the richest people in the world highlights individuals who have amassed significant wealth through various means such as entrepreneurship, investments, and inheritances.



List of top 10 richest people in the world 2024
*Source - Forbes India


Elon Musk | Company: Tesla, X, SpaceX | Net worth: $213.1 Billion

Influence and Wealth: Elon Musk, now recognized as the wealthiest individual globally, serves as the CEO of several prominent companies, including Tesla, a leading electric car manufacturer, and SpaceX, a pioneering space exploration firm. His net worth fluctuates with the performance of Tesla's stock and SpaceX's advancements. Currently holding a 23 percent stake in Tesla, a substantial portion of Musk's wealth—approximately two-thirds—is intricately linked to Tesla's success.


Jeff Bezos | Company: Amazon | Net Worth: $206.3 Billion

Influence and Wealth: Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, amassed immense wealth through pioneering e-commerce and cloud computing with Amazon Web Services (AWS). His influence spans global retail, technology innovation, and space exploration via Blue Origin, solidifying his impact on industries and economies worldwide.


Bernard Arnault & family | Company: LVMH | Net Worth: $195 Billion

Influence and Wealth: Bernard Arnault, along with his family, commands significant influence and wealth as the driving force behind LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), the world's largest luxury goods conglomerate. With a diverse portfolio encompassing iconic brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Sephora, Arnault's strategic leadership has solidified LVMH's position at the pinnacle of the luxury market. His visionary acquisitions, including the purchase of Tiffany & Co. for $15.8 billion in 2021, underscore his influence in shaping global fashion and luxury trends. Arnault's wealth is intricately tied to LVMH's success, reflecting his profound impact on the global economy and luxury industry.


Mark Zuckerberg | Company: Meta | Net Worth: $173.5 Billion

Influence and Wealth: Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), has accrued significant wealth through revolutionising social media and digital communication. His influence extends across global connectivity, technology innovation, and initiatives like the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, focusing on healthcare, education, and scientific research.


Larry Ellison | Company: Oracle | Net Worth: $172.6 Billion

Influence and Wealth: Larry Ellison, as the co-founder, chairman, and former CEO of Oracle Corporation, has amassed substantial wealth through his leadership in enterprise software. His influence spans technology innovation, strategic acquisitions, and investments. Ellison's entrepreneurial vision and business acumen have shaped the tech industry and Oracle's global footprint significantly.


Larry Page | Company: Alphabet | Net Worth: $148.1 Billion

Influence and Wealth: Larry Page, co-founder of Google (now Alphabet Inc.), amassed substantial wealth through pioneering internet search technology. With a net worth primarily tied to Alphabet's success, Page continues to influence tech innovation and investment, contributing significantly to advancements in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. His ongoing influence in technology and innovation continues to drive his wealth.


Sergey Brin | Company: Google Alphabet, Inc. | Net Worth: $141.8 Billion

Influence and Wealth: Sergey Brin, along with his Stanford PhD colleague Larry Page, played a crucial role in founding the Google search engine in 1998. Originally from Russia, Brin initially served as Google's technology president and later focused on overseeing special projects, such as the development of Google Glass, a wearable device featuring voice-activated "smart glasses." Brin currently serves as a board member of Alphabet, Google's parent company, with a substantial controlling interest in the company.


Warren Buffett | Company: Berkshire Hathaway | Net Worth: $134.3 Billion

Influence and Wealth: Warren Buffett, widely known as the "Oracle of Omaha," is celebrated as one of history's most accomplished investors. He serves as the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, an investment conglomerate renowned for its extensive portfolio that includes diverse companies such as Geico, Duracell, Apple, Nu Holdings, and Dairy Queen.
His investment acumen and long-term approach have made him a legendary figure in finance.


Bill Gates | Company: Microsoft | Net Worth: $133.7 Billion

Influence and Wealth: Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, accrued immense wealth through software innovation. His influence extends through philanthropy, focusing on global health and education via the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Despite stepping down from Microsoft, Gates remains a prominent figure in technology and philanthropy. His wealth reflects decades of leadership in technology and humanitarian efforts.


Steve Ballmer | Company: Microsoft | Net Worth: $131.4 Billion

Influence and Wealth: Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft, accumulated substantial wealth through his tenure and stock holdings in the company. Known for his energetic leadership, Ballmer significantly expanded Microsoft's business ventures and market presence during his tenure. He continues to be involved in philanthropy and business investments post-Microsoft significantly to the company's growth. His wealth reflects his tenure and subsequent investments in technology and sports ownership.