Larry Ellison Biography Lawrence Joseph Ellison, born on August 17, 1944, is a prominent American businessman and entrepreneur best known for co-founding Oracle Corporation. He served as Oracle’s CEO from 1977 to 2014 and is currently its chief technology officer and executive chairman. As of November 13, 2024, Ellison is the third-wealthiest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of $208 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Forbes ranks him as the second-wealthiest person, with a net worth of $237 billion. Ellison is also known for owning 98% of Lānaʻi, the sixth-largest island in the Hawaiian Islands.
Larry Ellison Biography
Lawrence Ellison’s early life was shaped by the adoption of him by relatives of Russian descent after his biological mother, still a teenager, gave him up for adoption. He grew up in Chicago with his adoptive parents, Lillian and Louis Ellison. After high school, Ellison attended the University of Illinois, where he excelled in science. However, following the death of his adoptive mother, which he found particularly difficult, Ellison dropped out of college. He then moved to California, where he reconnected with the computer skills he had developed in high school. In San Francisco, he began working on a computer system for a bank. Ellison continued to pursue programming jobs in Silicon Valley, joining Amdahl Inc. in 1967, where he worked until 1971. He then became President of Omex Corporation’s Systems Division until 1977.
Larry Ellison Biography Details
Born | Lawrence Joseph Ellison August 17, 1944 (age 80) New York City, U.S. |
Education | University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (no degree) University of Chicago (no degree) |
Occupations | Businessman investor |
Title | Co-founder, executive chairman and CTO of Oracle Corporation |
Spouses | Adda Quinn (m. 1967; div. 1974) Nancy Wheeler Jenkins (m. 1977; div. 1978) Barbara Boothe (m. 1983; div. 1986) Melanie Craft (m. 2003; div. 2010) Nikita Kahn (div. 2020) Jolin (Keren) Zhu (m. 2023) |
Children | David Ellison Megan Ellison |
Category | Biography |
About Larry Ellison
Lawrence Joseph Ellison is an American businessman and entrepreneur who co-founded software company Oracle Corporation. He was Oracle’s chief executive officer from 1977 to 2014 and is now its chief technology officer and executive chairman.
- Born: 17 August 1944 (age 80 years), The Bronx, New York, United States
- Net worth: 20,460 crores USD (2025) Forbes
- Spouse: Melanie Craft (m. 2003–2010) · See more
- Education: The University of Chicago (1964–1966) · See more
- Organizations founded: Oracle, Oracle Team USA, F50 League LLC, Ellison Medical Foundation, Oracle Cloud Platform
- Children: David Ellison, Megan Ellison
- Height: 91 m
Early Life and Education
Ellison was born in New York City on August 17, 1944, to Florence Spellman, an unwed Jewish mother. His biological father was an Italian-American United States Army Air Corps pilot. After Ellison contracted pneumonia at nine months old, his mother gave him up for adoption to her aunt and uncle. He did not meet his biological mother again until he was 48. He was raised in Chicago’s South Shore, a predominantly Jewish middle-class neighborhood. Ellison recalls his adoptive mother, Lillian Spellman Ellison, as caring and loving, while his adoptive father, Louis Ellison, was distant and unsupportive. Louis, a government worker who had briefly prospered in Chicago real estate, lost his fortune during the Great Depression. Louis chose the name “Ellison” to honor his arrival in the United States through Ellis Island.
How Did Larry Ellison Get So Rich?
Ellison’s path to immense wealth began when he founded Oracle in 1977. The company revolutionized database management, establishing itself as a leader in software. Over the years, Oracle expanded into cloud computing, competing with major players like Amazon Web Services. Acquisitions such as Sun Microsystems and NetSuite further cemented Oracle’s position as a dominant tech force. In addition to Oracle, Ellison has made substantial investments in tech, real estate, and entertainment. His stake in Tesla has grown significantly, contributing billions to his fortune. His real estate holdings include luxury properties in Malibu, Hawaii, and Lake Tahoe.
Who is the No. 1 Richest Person in the World?
While Ellison remains among the wealthiest, the title of the richest person fluctuates. As of 2024, individuals like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Bernard Arnault are contenders for the top spot, with stock market trends and business successes determining who holds the title at any given time.
How Much of Tesla Does Larry Ellison Own?
Larry Ellison has been a significant investor in Tesla, owning around 1.5% of the company at one point. His friendship with Elon Musk and belief in Tesla’s future led him to join Tesla’s board in 2018, though he stepped down in 2022. Tesla’s stock surge has significantly boosted the value of his investment.
What is the Salary of the CEO of Oracle?
Oracle’s CEO, Safra Catz, earned a compensation package exceeding $100 million, including salary, bonuses, and stock options. Although Ellison is no longer the CEO, as the company’s chairman and chief technology officer, he continues to benefit from Oracle’s stock grants and dividends.
Larry Ellison’s Lifestyle & Assets
Ellison’s wealth is reflected in his extravagant lifestyle. He owns a private island in Hawaii, multiple estates in California, and luxury properties in Lake Tahoe. He has a passion for yachts and aviation, owning high-end jets and one of the world’s most lavish superyachts. Additionally, he has invested in entertainment, with his son, David Ellison, becoming a notable Hollywood producer and executive.
Larry Ellison’s Philanthropy & Contributions
Despite his enormous wealth, Ellison has made significant philanthropic contributions. His foundation focuses on medical research, education, and environmental conservation. In recent years, he has pledged millions to healthcare initiatives and university programs. While he has not signed the Giving Pledge like some other billionaires, Ellison has expressed his intention to donate a substantial portion of his fortune to charitable causes.
Larry Ellison Net Worth 2025
Larry Ellison’s net worth is estimated at $210 billion. The co-founder of Oracle has consistently ranked among the wealthiest individuals globally, thanks to Oracle’s growth and his diverse investment portfolio. His wealth has been largely shaped by Oracle’s stock performance, strategic acquisitions, and personal investments in companies like Tesla.