Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle Corporation, briefly overtook Elon Musk to become the world’s richest person on 10 September 2025. This shift came after a sharp rise in Oracle’s stock price, driven by major AI cloud computing deals. Ellison’s net worth reached an estimated $393 billion, surpassing Musk’s $384 billion for a short period.
Oracle’s Stock Jump and Big Deals
Oracle shares rose around 43% after the company announced a major five-year cloud computing contract with OpenAI worth $300 billion. The deal is considered one of the largest cloud contracts in history. Oracle is also involved in the $500 billion Stargate AI infrastructure project, strengthening its position in the technology sector.
The company’s partnerships with global tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Alphabet have added investor confidence. This surge in Oracle’s stock value directly contributed to Ellison moving past Musk in the billionaire rankings, if only temporarily.
Ellison’s Investments and Business Influence
Beyond Oracle, Ellison’s wealth is strengthened by strategic investments in various sectors. He owns a significant stake in Tesla, a Hawaiian island, a professional sailing team, and the Indian Wells tennis tournament. In 2012, Ellison purchased 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lānaʻi for $300 million, with the remaining 2% owned by the state and individual homeowners. He has invested in transforming the island into an ultra-luxury destination.
Ellison acquired the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and the BNP Paribas Open in 2009. His ownership has led to significant improvements in the facility, including the construction of a 16,100-seat stadium, making it one of the premier tennis venues in the world.
His close ties to Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump have also kept him in the spotlight. Ellison previously served on Tesla’s board and supported Musk’s acquisition of Twitter (now X).
Billionaire Rankings Are Always Changing
By the end of trading on 10 September, Oracle’s stock settled slightly lower, bringing Ellison’s net worth closer to Musk’s. This shows how quickly billionaire rankings can change, often affected by stock performance, business deals, and market trends.
Ellison’s brief rise to the top highlights the impact of major contracts and investments on wealth. It also reflects the volatility of the tech industry, where fortunes can shift in days or even hours.
Final Thoughts
Larry Ellison’s temporary position as the world’s richest person shows how business success and strategic investments can quickly alter financial standings. Both Ellison and Musk continue to lead companies that are central to technology and innovation, making their wealth closely tied to ongoing global developments.
Adepu Bindu
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