50 Richest Person In The World – Bio & Net Worth (2024)
Ever wondered who’s the richest person in the world and how much they are worth?
Ever wondered who’s the richest person in the world and how much they are worth?
This list covers the top 50 rich persons in the world and information on their money sources. We’re talking net worth here—stocks, real estate, investments, the works.
The financial world changes fast, so these rankings can shift quickly and are curated per the information available as of October 4, 2024, on Bloomberg.
Whether you’re into business, investing, or just curious about how the other half (well, more like the top 0.000001%) lives, this list has you covered. Ready to see who’s on top of the money mountain this year?
Who Is The Richest Person In The World?
The richest man in the world today is Elon Musk!
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, tops the world’s wealth list. Born in South Africa, he moved to the US for college. He co-founded PayPal, then focused on electric cars and space travel.
His wealth is due to Tesla’s stock surge during the pandemic. Hence, his net worth fluctuates with Tesla’s stock price. He also bought Twitter in 2022 and renamed it X.
My personal favorite Musk’s ventures include Neuralink and The Boring Company. He’s known for ambitious goals and controversial statements.
Top 10 Richest Person In The World 2024
Here are the top 10 richest people in the world in 2024. The table conveys their ranking as of October 4, 2024.
| Rank | Name | Net Worth | Primary Source of Income | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elon Musk | $251 billion | Tesla, SpaceX | United States |
| 2 | Jeff Bezos | $201 billion | Amazon | United States |
| 3 | Bernard Arnault | $184 billion | LVMH (Luxury Goods) | France |
| 4 | Mark Zuckerberg | $183 billion | Meta (Facebook) | United States |
| 5 | Larry Page | $164 billion | United States | |
| 6 | Steve Ballmer | $158 billion | Microsoft | United States |
| 7 | Bill Gates | $157 billion | Microsoft | United States |
| 8 | Larry Ellison | $157 billion | Oracle | United States |
| 9 | Sergey Brin | $154 billion | United States | |
| 10 | Warren Buffet | $129 billion | Berkshire Hathaway | United States |
Now that you have had a quick glance at the top 10 get to know these rich folks in detail below. Let us start with number 1 and go all the way to number 50.
1. Elon Musk Net Worth: $241B
Continuing from the above section of the richest person in the world here is some more information on Elon Musk.
His recent achievements include the X rebranding, the launch of Cybertruck, the progress of Starship, and Neuralink’s human brain chip implant.
2. Jeff Bezos Net Worth: $222B
Bezos is the mastermind behind Amazon. He started from books to e-commerce, cloud, entertainment, and now AI. He owns the Washington Post and Blue Origin. His main Investments are in healthcare and philanthropy.
No point for guessing that his net worth fluctuates with Amazon stock. Focus on space travel and environmental causes.
3. Bernard Arnault Net Worth: $199B
Bernard Arnault from France is the LVMH CEO luxury goods leader. He owns Louis Vuitton, Moët & Chandon, Hennessy.
Strategic acquisitions in fashion, cosmetics, and watches. Arnault also focuses on digital transformation and sustainability. His wealth is tied to LVMH’s performance and it keeps increasing due to its global market presence.
4. Mark Zuckerberg Net Worth: $181B
Mark Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook in 2004 while at Harvard. He’s known for his coding skills and controversial business practices.
Zuckerberg has pledged to donate 99% of his Meta shares to charitable causes through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Mark is now focused on Metaverse and VR, Investing in digital innovation despite regulatory challenges.
5. Larry Page Net Worth: $164B
Larry Page co-founded Google, which is now part of Alphabet. He expanded into diverse tech areas, including search, Android, YouTube, self-driving cars, and life sciences.
Page’s vision for future adventures is on futuristic technologies and global connectivity projects.
6. Steve Ballmer Net Worth:$158B
Steve Ballmer succeeded Bill Gates as Microsoft’s CEO from 2000 to 2014. He led the company through significant growth and diversification. After leaving Microsoft, Ballmer purchased the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team for $2 billion in 2014.
Despite stepping down as CEO in 2014, he remains one of the company’s largest individual shareholders. Steve is known for his energetic presentations and philanthropic efforts through the Ballmer Group.
7. Bill Gates Net Worth: $157B
Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975, revolutionizing personal computing. He transitioned from CEO to focus on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Gates continues to invest in technology and climate change solutions. His wealth stems from Microsoft shares and diverse investments managed through Cascade Investment.
8. Larry Ellison Net Worth: $157B
Larry Ellison co-founded Oracle Corporation in 1977, growing it into a leading database software company. He served as CEO until 2014 and remains executive chairman and CTO.
Ellison is known for his lavish lifestyle, including owning the Hawaiian island of Lanai. He’s a major shareholder in Tesla and joined its board in 2018.
9. Sergey Brin Net Worth: $154B
Sergey Brin co-founded Google with Larry Page in 1998. He was president of Alphabet, Google’s parent company, until 2019. Brin has focused on moonshot projects like Google Glass and self-driving cars.
He developed Google X, advancing autonomous vehicles and wearable tech. Brin’s wealth reflects his vision and impact on technological progress.
10. Warren Buffett Net Worth: $129B
Warren Buffett leads Berkshire Hathaway, which owns diverse businesses, from insurance to consumer goods. His investment strategy focuses on long-term growth and has recently included tech companies.
Buffett’s influence extends beyond finance, with his shareholder letters providing valuable insights.
11. Mukesh Ambani Net Worth: $118B
Mukesh Ambani is the richest person in India. He leads Reliance Industries across multiple sectors. He revolutionized India’s digital landscape with Reliance Jio and is expanding into retail and renewable energy.
Ambani’s vision drives significant economic contributions to India’s economy.
12. Michael Dell Net Worth: $117B
Michael Dell founded and led Dell Technologies, offering diverse IT solutions. He expanded through strategic acquisitions and now engages in philanthropy too. Dell’s wealth stems from his significant impact on technology and business innovation.
13. Jensen Huang Net Worth: $108B
Jensen Huang co-founded NVIDIA, leading it to dominate GPUs and AI technology. He expanded into autonomous vehicles and robotics. Huang’s vision and innovation have made NVIDIA a global tech leader.
14. Gautam Adani Net Worth: $104B
Gautam Adani leads the Adani Group, a diverse business empire in ports, energy, and infrastructure. He aims to dominate renewable energy globally by 2030. Adani’s strategic expansions contribute significantly to India’s economic growth.
15. Amancio Ortega Net Worth: $95.6B
Amancio Ortega founded Inditex, revolutionizing fashion retail with the fast-fashion brand Zara. His strategy focuses on vertical integration and rapid trend response. Ortega’s wealth reflects his innovative retail approach and global real estate investments.
16. Carlos Slim Helu Net Worth: $91.3B
Carlos Slim Helu leads América Móvil, Latin America’s largest telecom operator. Through Grupo Carso, Slim’s diverse business interests span real estate, finance, and media. Slim’s strategic investments and telecom expansion have made him globally influential.
17. Jim Walton Net Worth: $90.1B
Sam Walton’s son, Jim Walton, holds a major stake in Walmart. He chairs Arvest Bank and invests through Walton Enterprises. Jim’s strategic management has maintained and grown the Walton family’s substantial fortune.
18. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers Net Worth: $89.5B
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, L’Oréal heiress, is the richest woman in the world. She oversees L’Oréal’s operations, focusing on sustainability and global expansion. Bettencourt Meyers also supports philanthropy through her family’s foundation.
19. Rob Walton Net Worth: $88.1B
Sam Walton’s eldest son, Rob Walton, led Walmart as chairman for 23 years. He remains a major shareholder, influencing the company’s direction. Walton’s wealth comes from Walmart ownership and supports environmental and educational philanthropy.
20. Alice Walton Net Worth: $87.4B
Sam Walton’s daughter, Alice Walton, founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. She invests in arts and focuses on educational and healthcare philanthropy. Her wealth, mainly from Walmart, enables significant cultural and charitable contributions.
21. Julia Flesher Koch Net Worth: $73.2B
Julia Flesher Koch inherited wealth from her husband, co-owner of Koch Industries. The company spans manufacturing, refining, and distribution. Julia actively supports philanthropy through the David H. Koch Foundation, focusing on medical research, education, and arts.
22. Charles Koch $65.7B
Charles Koch leads Koch Industries, a diverse conglomerate spanning energy, chemicals, and finance. His market-based management philosophy drives growth and innovation. Koch’s wealth reflects his business success and supports educational and cultural philanthropy.
23. Zhong Shanshan Net Worth: $55.2B
Zhong Shanshan founded Nongfu Spring, China’s leading bottled water company. He started in pharmaceuticals before entering beverages. Zhong’s wealth comes from Nongfu Spring’s market success and healthcare investments, showcasing Chinese entrepreneurial influence globally.
24. Alain Wertheimer Net Worth: $50.2B
Alain Wertheimer co-owns Chanel with his brother Gérard. He oversees creative and business aspects, modernizing operations while maintaining the brand legacy. Chanel’s focus on sustainability and digital expansion contributes to the Wertheimers’ substantial fortune.
25. Gerard Wertheimer Net Worth: $50.2B
Gérard Wertheimer co-owns Chanel, managing its watch and jewelry division. He balances heritage preservation with innovation, maintaining Chanel’s luxury status. Gérard’s focus on craftsmanship contributes to the Wertheimer brothers’ wealth and influence.
26. Colin Huang Net Worth: $47.2B
Colin Huang founded Pinduoduo, a major Chinese e-commerce platform using social commerce. His innovative approach challenges established giants. Huang’s wealth stems from Pinduoduo’s success, reflecting its impact on China’s digital economy and ongoing technological advancements.
27. Jeff Yass Net Worth: $46.4B
Jeff Yass co-founded Susquehanna International Group, a leading quantitative trading firm. His expertise in options trading and risk management drove SIG’s success. Yass’s wealth reflects his financial acumen, and he supports educational and libertarian causes.
28. Klaus-Michael Kuehne Net Worth: $43.9B
Klaus-Michael Kühne owns Kühne + Nagel, a global logistics leader. His strategic vision expanded operations across freight and transport services. Kühne’s wealth stems from logistics success and investments in shipping, reflecting his impact on global trade.
29. Jacqueline Badger Mars Net Worth: $43.0B
Jacqueline Badger Mars is an heir to Mars Inc., a major private food and beverage company. Her wealth comes from her stake in Mars. She supports cultural, educational, and health-related causes through active philanthropy.
30. John Mars Net Worth: $43.0B
John Mars, heir to Mars Inc., contributed to the company’s global expansion. Mars Inc.’s diverse brands ensure market dominance. John’s wealth comes from the company’s growth. He supports health, education, and animal welfare through philanthropy.
31. Ma Huateng Net Worth: $42.7B
Ma Huateng founded Tencent, a major Chinese tech company. He developed WeChat, which integrates messaging, social media, and payments. Ma’s strategic vision expanded Tencent globally, reflecting his wealth and impact on digital innovation.
32. Stephen Schwarzman Net Worth: $42.2B
Stephen Schwarzman co-founded Blackstone Group, a global investment powerhouse. His expertise drives Blackstone’s success in diverse financial sectors. Schwarzman’s wealth reflects the firm’s performance. He contributes significantly to education and arts philanthropy.
33. Zhang Yiming Net Worth: $42.2B
Zhang Yiming founded ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company. ByteDance’s AI-driven platforms revolutionized content consumption. Zhang’s leadership made ByteDance a global tech competitor. His wealth stems from TikTok’s success and ByteDance’s ongoing global expansion.
34. Ken Griffin Net Worth: $41.8B
Ken Griffin founded Citadel, a leading global hedge fund. His wealth comes from financial and investment success. Griffin supports art and education through significant philanthropic contributions.
35. MacKenzie Scott Net Worth: $41.4B
MacKenzie Scott, an author and philanthropist, gained wealth from Amazon shares after divorcing Jeff Bezos. She pledges to donate most of her fortune, focusing on education, racial equity, and public health causes.
36. Rodolphe Saadé Net Worth: $40.7B
Rodolphe Saadé is the chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, a global shipping company based in France. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its operations significantly, making it one of the largest shipping firms in the world.
37. Tadashi Yanai Net Worth: $39.2B
Tadashi Yanai is the founder and president of Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, a popular global clothing retailer. Yanai’s innovative approach to retail and fashion has helped Uniqlo become a leading brand in the industry, contributing to his significant wealth.
38. Len Blavatnik Net Worth: $39.0B
Len Blavatnik, a Ukrainian-born American-British businessman, founded Access Industries. His company invests in natural resources, chemicals, and media. Blavatnik’s strategic investments and business acumen have substantially increased his wealth.
39. Shapoor Mistry Net Worth: $39.0B
Shapoor Mistry chairs the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, a major Indian construction and real estate conglomerate. The company’s diverse interests in infrastructure and construction have significantly contributed to the Mistry family’s wealth.
40. Giovanni Ferrero Net Worth: $38.9B
As head of the Ferrero Group, Giovanni Ferrero sweetens the world with Nutella and Kinder. His family’s $38.9 billion fortune is built on satisfying sweet tooths and creating beloved confections globally.
41. Thomas Peterffy Net Worth: $38.9B
Thomas Peterffy revolutionized stock trading with computers. The Hungarian-American‘s $38.9B wealth comes from founding Interactive Brokers, changing finance forever.
42. Changpeng Zhao Net Worth: $37.8B
Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as CZ, is the founder and CEO of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. His innovative approach to blockchain technology and cryptocurrency trading has made Binance a global leader in the industry, significantly increasing Zhao’s net worth.
43. German Larrea Net Worth: $36.7B
German Larrea mines success as chairman of Grupo México. His $36.7B fortune stems from copper, coal, and mineral operations, proving there’s gold in them hills – and mines.
44. Savitri Jindal Net Worth: $36.1B
Savitri Jindal forges ahead as India’s richest woman. Her $36.1B wealth comes from leading the Jindal Group‘s diverse operations in steel, power, and infrastructure, building India’s industrial future.
45. Abigail Johnson Net Worth: $35.8B
Abigail Johnson manages money like it’s in her DNA. Her leadership has continued the company’s growth and innovation in financial services, building on the legacy of her father and grandfather, who founded the company Fidelity Investments.
46. Eric Schmidt Net Worth: $35.1B
Eric Schmidt’s $35.1B fortune proves it pays to guide tech giants. As former Google CEO, he helped shape the internet era, influencing how we search, work, and connect.
47. Shiv Nadar Net Worth: $35.0B
Shiv Nadar’s $35.0B shows tech success transcends borders. He built HCL Technologies into an Indian IT powerhouse, driving innovation and creating opportunities in the global tech landscape.
48. Phil Knight Net Worth: $33.8B
Phil Knight’s $33.8 billion net worth is a testament to his sports marketing genius. Under his leadership, Nike‘s swoosh became a global symbol, revolutionizing athletic wear and branding.
49. Miriam Adelson Net Worth: $32.8B
Miriam Adelson’s $32.8B fortune was built on a high-stakes vision. She continues her late husband’s legacy in the casino world (sands), shaping the entertainment landscape in Las Vegas and beyond.
50. Iris Fontbona Net Worth: $32.6B
Iris Fontbona inherited and expanded a Chilean business empire. Her $32.6B wealth comes from Antofagasta PLC’s copper mining and diverse investments in banking and manufacturing. She continues her late husband’s legacy, shaping Chile’s economic landscape.
Key Observations About The Richest People In The World
- Most Billionaires in a country: United States
- Number of rich women on this list: 7 out of 50
- The richest woman in the world: Françoise Bettencourt Meyers ($89.5B
- Inherited wealth: At least 9 individuals
- Dominant industry on billionaires: Technology
- Other Notable sectors billionaires are getting involved in are tech, retail, luxury goods, energy, and finance.
- Wealth fluctuation: Many ranks of rich people are tied to company stock prices
- Rich people emerging markets: Strong representation from India and China.
- The richest family in the world: Al Nahyan, family owners of the Abu Dhabi government’s oil reserves.
Conclusion: Elon Musk Is The Richest Person In The World as of 2024
This world’s richest person list showcases not just wealth but the industries driving our future. From tech to retail, these individuals represent peak financial success across sectors.
While the richest person in the world may change with stock market fluctuations, their impact on our daily lives remains constant. The list also highlights the growing economic power of countries like India and China alongside the US.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that this list will continue to evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of global business and innovation.
Whether through technological breakthroughs, smart investments, or revolutionary business models, the world’s wealthiest individuals will undoubtedly continue to shape our economic landscape for years to come.