Oracle, co-founded in 1977 by Ellison, Bob Miner, and Ed Oates, first rose to prominence with its database software, originally inspired by a CIA project.
By 1987, it had become the global leader in database management systems.
Over the years, Oracle expanded aggressively through acquisitions, including PeopleSoft, Sun Microsystems, and NetSuite.
More recently, the company pivoted toward cloud computing and AI infrastructure, running massive data centers that supply computing power and storage to leading firms.
This transformation has paid off in the AI era. Companies such as OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, depend on Oracle’s cloud systems to train and deploy advanced AI models.
Ellison’s AI Ambitions
Although Ellison stepped down as CEO in 2014, he continues to shape Oracle’s future as executive chairman and chief technology officer.
In 2025, he spearheaded the $500 billion “Stargate” project, an ambitious initiative to build AI-focused data centers, strengthening Oracle’s place in the global tech ecosystem.
Ventures Beyond Technology
Beyond Oracle, Ellison has a wide portfolio of interests:
- He owns 98% of Lanai, Hawaii’s sixth-largest island.He has invested in sports and entertainment, backing Oracle Team USA’s America’s Cup win and co-founding the Sail
- GP sailing league.In tennis, he rejuvenated the Indian Wells tournament.
- In media, Ellison played a central role in the $28 billion Paramount-Skydance merger in 2025, led by his son, David Ellison.
- His daughter, Megan Ellison, is a renowned producer of critically acclaimed films like Zero Dark Thirty.
Politically, Ellison has aligned with Republican causes and remains influential in technology and policy discussions.
Musk’s Decline, Ellison’s Rise
While Oracle’s cloud-first strategy has fueled Ellison’s ascent, Tesla’s recent struggles have weighed on Musk’s fortune.
For the first time, Ellison—a veteran innovator who has shaped the tech industry for nearly five decades—has claimed the top spot on the global wealth rankings.
