Larry Ellison
Net Worth: $245 B (Feb 2026)
Daily Change: +1.2% (simulated)
Sources: Oracle
Biography
Larry Ellison holds third place with approximately $245 billion. Oracle's transformation into a cloud and AI powerhouse drove significant wealth growth in 2025, with the company gaining market share in enterprise software and database services. Ellison founded Oracle in 1977 with $2,000 and built it into the world's leading database software company.
Historical Net Worth
Wealth Composition
Career Timeline
- 1977: Founded Oracle Corporation.
- 1986: Oracle goes public.
- 2014: Stepped down as CEO, became CTO.
- 2018: Joined Tesla board of directors.
- 2025: Oracle cloud expansion drives wealth growth.
Philanthropy
Ellison donated $500 million in 2025 to medical research and ocean conservation efforts through his foundation.
Net Worth Analysis & Wealth Sources
As of February 2026, Larry Ellison's net worth is approximately $245 billion, making him the world's third richest person. His wealth primarily comes from his massive ownership stake in Oracle Corporation, complemented by significant real estate holdings and strategic investments.
Detailed Ownership & Valuation (2026 Estimates)
- Oracle (ORCL): ~35% stake. Largest individual shareholder with 1.05 billion shares.
- Real Estate Portfolio: Valued at $36.8 billion, including 98% of Hawaiian island Lanai.
- Tesla Stock: $9.8 billion investment from 2018, now serving on Tesla's board.
- Other Investments: Various tech and healthcare startups valued at $7.4 billion.
Net Worth Milestones Timeline
| Milestone | Date | Net Worth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First $1 Billion | 1986 | $1B | After Oracle IPO |
| $50 Billion | 2014 | $50B | Oracle cloud transition |
| $100 Billion | 2023 | $100B | Tesla investment grows |
| Current Estimate | Feb 2026 | $245B | Per Billionaire Watch data |
2026 Oracle Cloud & AI Dominance
In February 2026, Oracle continues to dominate the enterprise cloud market with its Autonomous Database and AI-powered services.
☁️ Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Growth
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) has captured 30% market share in enterprise cloud services, generating $85 billion annually and competing directly with AWS and Azure.
🤖 Autonomous Database Leadership
Oracle's self-driving, self-securing database technology now manages 45% of the world's enterprise data, creating a massive competitive moat.
🏥 Healthcare Cloud Expansion
Oracle's healthcare cloud platform now serves 80% of US hospitals and 65% of global pharmaceutical companies, generating $25 billion annually.
From $2,000 Startup to Tech Titan
Larry Ellison's journey from founding Oracle with $2,000 to building one of the world's most enduring tech companies demonstrates his strategic vision and business acumen.
Oracle's Evolution Timeline
- 1977: Founded Software Development Laboratories with $2,000
- 1979: Renamed company Oracle Systems Corporation
- 1986: Oracle IPO at $15 per share
- 2010: Acquired Sun Microsystems for $7.4 billion
- 2014: Stepped down as CEO after 37 years
- 2025: Oracle market cap reaches $1.8 trillion
Ellison's "attack weakness" competitive strategy and focus on enterprise software created one of the most durable business models in technology.
Competitive Position Among Global Billionaires
At 81 years old, Larry Ellison maintains a remarkable position as the oldest billionaire in the top 10 and #3 richest globally.
#1: Elon Musk
$852B
~$607B ahead
#2: Larry Page
$256.9B
~$11.9B ahead of Page
#4: Jeff Bezos
$242.4B
~$2.6B ahead
Ellison's wealth concentration in Oracle (78%) is the highest founder ownership among major tech companies, giving him unparalleled control and upside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Ellison
How much of Oracle does Larry Ellison own?
As of February 2026, Larry Ellison owns approximately 35% of Oracle's outstanding shares, representing about 1.05 billion shares. This is one of the largest ownership stakes of any founder in a major technology company.
Why did Larry Ellison buy the island of Lanai?
Ellison purchased 98% of Lanai in 2012 for $300 million to create a model for sustainable living. He has invested over $500 million in renewable energy, organic farming, and conservation projects on the island, transforming it into a showcase for sustainable technology.
What is Larry Ellison's salary at Oracle?
As Executive Chairman and CTO, Ellison receives a symbolic $1 annual salary. His compensation comes entirely from stock appreciation. He has never taken a traditional salary or bonus from Oracle throughout his career.
How has Oracle maintained dominance for 40+ years?
Oracle's success comes from its focus on enterprise customers, continuous product innovation (especially in databases), strategic acquisitions, and Ellison's "customer lock-in" strategy that makes switching costs prohibitively high for businesses.