In 2025, Larry Ellison, co-founder and chairman of Oracle Corporation, has emerged as the biggest winner from the ongoing AI revolution. As companies worldwide expand their artificial intelligence capabilities, Oracle has become a key provider of the cloud and computing infrastructure powering these AI systems. Thanks to a series of high-value AI deals, Ellison’s net worth has surged, outpacing other tech leaders and highlighting the enormous value of AI infrastructure in today’s technology sector
A meteoric rise in net worth
Recent reports show Ellison has added roughly $140 billion to his net worth over the past year, more than any other tech figure closely tied to AI infrastructure.
For a time recently, Ellison even overtook Elon Musk to become the world’s richest person, albeit briefly. His wealth is now estimated to be in the $340-400 billion range, depending on market movements and the valuation of Oracle’s shares.
Ellison’s stake in Oracle is substantial, he owns about 40-41% of the firm. Thus, every significant rise in Oracle’s share price counts heavily in expanding his fortune.
Why Oracle is at the heart of the AI infrastructure boom
Ellison’s gains are closely tied to Oracle’s rising importance in the AI ecosystem — not for developing AI models, but by providing the backbone: data centres, cloud infrastructure, and computing power.
One headline contract is the $30 billion per year deal in which OpenAI agreed to lease about 4.5 gigawatts of computing power from Oracle. That deal has been seen as a major vote of confidence in Oracle’s capacity and an example of how AI developers are diversifying beyond the usual cloud providers.
Oracle’s “remaining performance obligations”, like commitments for future delivery of services, have ballooned. The figure now hovers near $455 billion, reflecting how many clients are locking in long-term AI infrastructure deals.
Still, the strategy is not without risk. Oracle faces high infrastructure costs, heavy capital expenditure, and concerns over whether all clients’ AI ambitions will be sustainable. Some analysts warn of overreliance on major bets — for instance, if OpenAI or other large customers falter, Oracle could feel the ripple effects.
What this means for the tech world
Ellison’s rise underscores a broader shift: in the AI arms race, the real money may lie not in creating chatbots or models, but in supplying the infrastructure behind them. Oracle has positioned itself as a significant “picks-and-shovels” player in the AI era.
Still, the spotlight now turns to execution. Can Oracle sustain growth, manage costs, and avoid overexposure to individual clients? And how will rivals respond?
One thing is clear: in 2025, Larry Ellison didn’t just ride the AI wave, he’s become one of its most visible and most successful beneficiaries.
Adepu Bindu
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