The top 5 richest people
In 2024, the global economic landscape continues to be shaped by innovation, technology, and strategic investments. The world’s wealthiest individuals not only reflect the power of technological advancements but also the influence of smart financial decisions and impactful entrepreneurship. Here, we take a closer look at the top five richest people in the world in 2024, exploring their sources of wealth and contributions to various industries.
1. Elon Musk
Net Worth: $232.1 billion
Source of Wealth: Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Company
Elon Musk continues to dominate the wealth charts in 2024, maintaining his position at the top. His success is driven by the performance of Tesla, which remains the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer. SpaceX, his private space exploration company, has also seen unprecedented growth, with successful missions to Mars and the commercialization of space travel. Additionally, Musk’s ventures in neural technology (Neuralink) and infrastructure (The Boring Company) contribute significantly to his fortune.
2. Bernard Arnault & Family
Net Worth: $175.4 billion
Source of Wealth: LVMH
Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), holds the second spot. LVMH, a conglomerate of over 70 luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Givenchy, has seen remarkable growth, particularly in emerging markets. The luxury goods sector continues to thrive, driven by high consumer demand and strategic acquisitions under Arnault’s leadership.
3. Jeff Bezos
Net Worth: $202.1 billion
Source of Wealth: Amazon, Blue Origin
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, remains one of the wealthiest individuals globally. Despite stepping down as CEO in 2021, his significant shareholding in Amazon ensures a steady flow of wealth. Amazon’s continuous expansion into new markets and its dominance in e-commerce and cloud computing (Amazon Web Services) play crucial roles in sustaining Bezos’s wealth. His space exploration company, Blue Origin, also contributes to his financial stature with its advancements in commercial space flights.
4.Larry Ellison
Net Worth: $169.8 billion
Source of Wealth: Co-founder, Executive Chairman, and Chief Technology Officer
Income Source: Equity and salary
Larry Ellison, the co-founder, executive chairman, and chief technology officer of Oracle Corporation, remains one of the wealthiest individuals in the world in 2024. His net worth is estimated at approximately $140 billion, placing him among the top echelons of global billionaires.
5. Mark Zuckerberg
Net Worth: $174.5 billion
Source of Wealth: Meta (formerly Facebook)
Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder and CEO of Meta, rounds out the top five richest individuals in 2024. Meta’s dominance in social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, remains strong. Additionally, the company’s investments in virtual and augmented reality through its Reality Labs division position it at the forefront of the metaverse development, contributing to Zuckerberg’s significant wealth accumulation.