Wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about innovation, influence, and the ability to reshape industries. The world’s richest individuals have built global empires that affect billions of lives, whether through technology, fashion, energy, or finance. Some started with little and took huge risks, while others inherited businesses and expanded them into global powerhouses.
This article provides a detailed look at the 25 richest people in the world in 2025 and how they built their fortunes.
1.ELON MUSK
Elon Musk made his fortune through bold bets on technology and space exploration. After selling PayPal, he invested heavily in Tesla and SpaceX, both of which were struggling at the time. Today, Tesla is a leader in electric vehicles, and SpaceX is revolutionizing space travel. His wealth is closely tied to Tesla’s stock, but he also owns X (formerly Twitter), Neuralink (brain-computer interfaces), The tunnel transportation, and xAI, which focuses on artificial intelligence.
2.BERNARD ARNAULT
Bernard Arnault built his empire in luxury fashion. As the CEO of LVMH, he oversees over 70 brands, including Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Sephora. His strategy involves acquiring struggling luxury brands, revamping their image, and turning them into must-haves for the elite. His family plays a key role in the company’s future, ensuring its continued dominance in the luxury sector.
3.JEFF BEZOS
Jeff Bezos started Amazon in his garage in 1994 as an online bookstore. Over the years, Amazon grew into the world’s largest e-commerce platform, selling everything from books to groceries. The company’s real goldmine is Amazon Web Services (AWS), which powers much of the internet. Even though Bezos stepped down as CEO, he remains Amazon’s largest shareholder. He also owns The Washington Post and Blue Origin, a space exploration company focused on making space travel accessible.
4.LARRY ELISON
Larry Ellison co-founded Oracle in 1977, making it one of the biggest names in business software. Over time, he expanded the company’s focus to cloud computing, competing with tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. Known for his aggressive business strategies, Ellison has acquired numerous companies to strengthen Oracle’s dominance. Outside of tech, he owns a Hawaiian island and has invested in sustainability projects.
5.MARK ZUCKERBEG
Mark Zuckerberg changed the way people connect online when he created Facebook in his Harvard dorm room. Under Meta, he expanded the company’s reach by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp, turning it into a global digital communications empire. Now, he is investing billions into AI and the metaverse, an ambitious virtual reality world that he believes will shape the future of social interactions.
6.WARREN BUFFETT
Warren Buffett, often called the “Oracle of Omaha,” made his fortune through smart, long-term investments. His company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns major stakes in Apple, Coca-Cola, Geico, and dozens of other companies. Despite his immense wealth, Buffett still lives in the same modest home he bought in 1958 and has pledged to donate most of his fortune to philanthropy.
7.BILL GATES
Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975, bringing personal computers into homes and businesses worldwide. Although he stepped back from Microsoft’s leadership, the company remains one of the most valuable in the world. These days, Gates focuses on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, tackling global issues like healthcare, climate change, and education.
8.STEVE BALLMER
Steve Ballmer built his wealth as the CEO of Microsoft, leading the company’s growth in Windows, Office, and cloud computing. His Microsoft stock remains his biggest asset. Since retiring, he has invested in sports, buying the LA Clippers for $2 billion and funding sports technology and analytics projects.
9.LARRY PAGE
Larry Page co-founded Google in 1998, turning it into the most powerful search engine in the world. Under its parent company, Alphabet, Google has expanded into AI, cloud computing, and self-driving cars. Though he stepped down as CEO, he remains a key shareholder and continues to support cutting-edge technology projects.
10.SERGEY BRIN
Sergey Brin, Google’s co-founder, played a crucial role in its AI and cloud advancements. Though he isn’t as public as other billionaires, he remains a major shareholder in Alphabet and focuses on advancing new technologies.
11.MUKESH AMBANI
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Mukesh Ambani leads Reliance Industries, one of India’s largest and most powerful corporations. His company dominates the country’s telecom, retail, and energy sectors. His biggest success came with Jio, which disrupted India’s telecom industry by making data and mobile services incredibly cheap, connecting millions of people to the internet.
12.JENSEN HUANG
Jensen Huang co-founded NVIDIA in 1993, initially focusing on graphics chips for gaming. Today, NVIDIA is an AI powerhouse, with its chips being essential for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and self-driving cars. His leadership has positioned NVIDIA at the center of the AI revolution.
13.AMANCIO ORTEGA
Amancio Ortega changed the fashion industry with Zara, the flagship brand of his company Inditex. His fast-fashion model keeps inventory fresh and affordable, making Inditex the world’s largest clothing retailer. Despite his wealth, Ortega keeps a low profile and prefers to stay out of the public eye.
14. FRANCOISE BETTENCOURT MEYERS
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is the world’s richest woman, inheriting L’Oréal from her mother. Under her leadership, the company has continued to grow, dominating the global beauty industry. She has also focused on philanthropy, funding scientific research and the restoration of historic monuments.
15.CARLOS SLIM HELU
Carlos Slim Helú built his fortune in telecommunications, controlling América Móvil, Latin America’s largest telecom company. He also owns stakes in banking, infrastructure, and media, making him one of the most influential businessmen in the region.
16.GAUTAM ADANI
Gautam Adani turned Adani Group into a giant in infrastructure, power generation, and renewable energy. His company is a key player in India’s economy, with massive investments in ports, airports, and green energy projects.
17.ALICE WALTON
Alice Walton, the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, inherited a fortune but has focused more on philanthropy and the arts rather than retail. She has invested heavily in education and healthcare initiatives.
18.ROB WALTON
Rob Walton, another Walmart heir, held leadership roles in the company and remains a major shareholder. He has also invested in sports, co-owning the Denver Broncos.
19.DAVID THOMSON
David Thomson and his family control Thomson Reuters, one of the world’s leading media and financial data companies. Their fortune comes from providing essential news and information services to businesses worldwide.
20.CHARLES KOCH
Charles Koch built Koch Industries into a massive conglomerate spanning energy, chemicals, and consumer goods. He is also known for his political and philanthropic influence, funding initiatives in education and public policy.
21.MICHAEL DELL
Michael Dell founded Dell Technologies, transforming it from a PC maker into a leader in cloud computing and cybersecurity. His business acumen has kept the company relevant in an ever-changing tech landscape.
22.ZHONG SHANSHAN
Zhong Shanshan made his fortune in bottled water and pharmaceuticals. His company, Nongfu Spring, dominates China’s bottled water market, while his pharmaceutical ventures have also been highly successful.
23.GIOVANNI FERRERO
Giovanni Ferrero leads the family business behind Nutella, Kinder, and Ferrero Rocher. Under his leadership, Ferrero Group has expanded globally, making its chocolates and sweets a household name worldwide.
24.MICHAEL BLOOMBERG
Michael Bloomberg built his fortune through Bloomberg LP, a financial data and media empire. In addition to his business success, he served as New York City’s mayor and has been a major philanthropist, funding climate change initiatives and public health programs.
25.TADASHI YANAI
Tadashi Yanai turned Uniqlo into a global fashion powerhouse by focusing on affordable, high-quality basics. His company, Fast Retailing, is now one of the biggest clothing retailers in the world.
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