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Ellison
Larry Ellison
Rank #5
UNITED STATES•Technology•Oracle

Larry Ellison

Net Worth
$247.764B
-2.13% (24h)
Larry Ellison is an American businessman, entrepreneur, and the co-founder, executive chairman, and chief technology officer of Oracle Corporation. Born in 1944, Ellison's journey from a college dropout to a technology titan is a testament to his vision and determination. His source of wealth is primarily Oracle, a leading provider of database software and cloud technology. Ellison has been instrumental in Oracle's growth and has achieved a net worth of 197.0 billion USD, making him one of the world's wealthiest individuals. His career is marked by significant achievements, including leading Oracle for 37 years, and is known for his competitive drive and focus on innovation. Ellison is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has signed The Giving Pledge and has committed to donating a significant portion of his wealth to various causes.

How to read Larry Ellison's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Larry Ellison, we anchor the narrative to Oracle and Oracle, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $247.764B alongside global rank #5, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Larry Ellison was born in New York City on August 17, 1944. His mother gave him up for adoption when he was nine months old. He was raised by his aunt and uncle in Chicago. Ellison showed an early aptitude for science and mathematics.

Rise to Success

Ellison attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Chicago, but dropped out of both. He began his career in computer programming in California. In 1977, he co-founded Software Development Laboratories (SDL), which later became Oracle Corporation. Inspired by a paper on relational database systems, Ellison and his colleagues developed Oracle, the first commercial relational database program to use SQL. Oracle quickly became successful, growing throughout the 1980s and going public in 1986.

Key Business Strategies

Ellison is known for his visionary leadership, aggressive marketing, and competitive spirit. He has been praised for his ability to anticipate technological trends and drive Oracle's innovation. His strategies included a focus on engineering, a willingness to take risks, and a relentless pursuit of market dominance. He stepped down as CEO in 2014, but remains as CTO and Executive Chairman.

Philanthropy

Ellison is a signatory of The Giving Pledge and has committed to donating a large portion of his wealth. His philanthropic efforts are primarily channelled through the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), a for-profit organization based at the University of Oxford, focusing on global challenges including healthcare, food insecurity, climate change, and AI research. He has also donated to medical research and education.

Career Timeline

2014

Stepped down as CEO of Oracle

Stepped down as CEO of Oracle after 37 years.

1986

Oracle went public

Oracle went public.

1979

Released Oracle

Released Oracle, the first commercial relational database program to use SQL.

1977

Co-founded Oracle

Co-founded Software Development Laboratories (SDL), which later became Oracle Corporation.

Philanthropic Impact

Medical research$1.3B

Ellison Institute of Technology

Focuses on global challenges including healthcare, food insecurity, climate change, and AI research.

Medical research$0.2B

University of Southern California

Established the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Oracle Corporation40.00%$184M

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Larry Ellison was born in New York City on August 17, 1944. His mother gave him up for adoption when he was nine months old. He was raised by his aunt and uncle in Chicago. Ellison showed an early aptitude for science and mathematics.

Rise to Success

Ellison attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Chicago, but dropped out of both. He began his career in computer programming in California. In 1977, he co-founded Software Development Laboratories (SDL), which later became Oracle Corporation. Inspired by a paper on relational database systems, Ellison and his colleagues developed Oracle, the first commercial relational database program to use SQL. Oracle quickly became successful, growing throughout the 1980s and going public in 1986.

Key Business Strategies

Ellison is known for his visionary leadership, aggressive marketing, and competitive spirit. He has been praised for his ability to anticipate technological trends and drive Oracle's innovation. His strategies included a focus on engineering, a willingness to take risks, and a relentless pursuit of market dominance. He stepped down as CEO in 2014, but remains as CTO and Executive Chairman.

Philanthropy

Ellison is a signatory of The Giving Pledge and has committed to donating a large portion of his wealth. His philanthropic efforts are primarily channelled through the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), a for-profit organization based at the University of Oxford, focusing on global challenges including healthcare, food insecurity, climate change, and AI research. He has also donated to medical research and education.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Larry Ellison are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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Latest News

Oracle's Ellison & Zoho's Vembu: The Private Data Gamble That Will Reshape AI

May 30, 2026

Oracle's Ellison & Zoho's Vembu: The Private Data Gamble That Will Reshape AI

Larry Ellison, in a move that echoes his ruthless acquisition strategy of the late 90s, is betting big on private data as the new gold rush for AI. Zoho's Sridhar Vembu, a contrarian voice, is equally convinced. This story dissects the battle lines being drawn, the fortunes at stake, and the potentially devastating impact on the future of AI and data privacy.

Ellison's Gambit: Oracle's Billion-Dollar Bet on Data and the AI Power Struggle

May 29, 2026

Ellison's Gambit: Oracle's Billion-Dollar Bet on Data and the AI Power Struggle

Larry Ellison, the ever-enigmatic Oracle founder, has thrown down the gauntlet, positioning his company at the epicenter of the AI data training wars. His move, spotlighted by Gary Marcus, the voice of reason in a sea of hype, is not just about technology; it's about control. This is a high-stakes chess match for the future of artificial intelligence, with billions in revenue hanging in the balance, and Ellison, as always, playing to win.

Ellison's Oracle: Beyond the Pursuit, the Conquest – A Legacy Forged in Iron and Code

May 22, 2026

Ellison's Oracle: Beyond the Pursuit, the Conquest – A Legacy Forged in Iron and Code

Larry Ellison, the ever-enigmatic Oracle founder, has spoken. His 'quote of the day' is a masterclass in understatement, a glimpse into the relentless drive that has defined his career. This article dissects the subtext, analyzes the moves, and forecasts the future of an empire built on more than just software – it's built on ambition. Expect market shifts, executive shakeups, and a continued dominance that will redefine the tech landscape for years to come.

Ellison's 'Failure' Confession: A Strategic Masterstroke or a Sign of Oracle's Sunset?

May 9, 2026

Ellison's 'Failure' Confession: A Strategic Masterstroke or a Sign of Oracle's Sunset?

Larry Ellison, the man who built Oracle from the ashes of failure, has once again dropped a verbal hand grenade. His recent quote, acknowledging a life peppered with setbacks, is not a moment of vulnerability but a carefully calibrated move. This is a chess game, and the Oracle founder is always playing several moves ahead, even if the board seems tilted against him.

Ellison's Dream: Is Oracle's Titan Following a Vision or Charting a Collision Course?

Apr 30, 2026

Ellison's Dream: Is Oracle's Titan Following a Vision or Charting a Collision Course?

Larry Ellison, Oracle's enigmatic founder, offers a deceptively simple quote, 'I believe people have to follow their dreams - I did.' But behind this folksy declaration lies a complex reality: Oracle's ongoing transformation, the shifting sands of the cloud computing market, and a leadership strategy that often blurs the line between ambition and audacity. This isn't just a feel-good soundbite; it's a strategic missive from a man who has always played the long game – and right now, the stakes have never been higher.

Ellison's Gambit: Is Oracle's Titan Carrying a Mountain of Debt?

Apr 28, 2026

Ellison's Gambit: Is Oracle's Titan Carrying a Mountain of Debt?

Whispers in the Valley are growing louder. Sources indicate Larry Ellison, the man who built Oracle, is navigating a complex financial landscape, unlike his peers. This story delves into the potential implications of this mounting debt, the strategic calculus behind it, and what it signals for the future of Oracle and the tech industry. Prepare for a deep dive into the high-stakes game of Silicon Valley.