Discover the elite class of billionaires whose fortunes have soared into the 12-figure range. This year, a record 14 individuals have joined the prestigious $100 Billion Club, up from six last year and just one in 2020. Many of these billionaires amassed their wealth by founding tech companies.
As a group, the world’s billionaires are 120% richer than they were a decade ago. However, the 14 members of the $100 Billion Club have seen their wealth increase by 255% over the same period. Their combined net worths significantly outpace inflation (up 32%) and the broader stock market (S&P 500 up 182%), placing them in an exclusive financial league. Collectively, these 14 individuals are worth $2 trillion, meaning they hold 14% of all billionaire wealth, even though they represent just 0.5% of the world’s 2,781 billionaires.
The Richest Billionaires in the World ( $100 Billion Club)
14. Carlos Slim Helú
- Net Worth: $102 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Telecom
- Citizenship: Mexico
Carlos Slim Helú, once the richest person in the world from 2010 to 2013, has seen his fortune grow thanks to a surge in the Mexican peso and a 60% rise in the share price of his industrial conglomerate, Grupo Carso. Slim’s wealth has reached new heights, placing him among the elite 14.
13. Amancio Ortega
- Net Worth: $103 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Zara
- Citizenship: Spain
Amancio Ortega, the founder of the Zara fast fashion chain, has seen his fortune swell by $26 billion since last year. Shares of his clothing retailer, Inditex, have jumped 43%, pushing his net worth into the 12-figure range. Ortega’s real estate portfolio, valued at $20 billion, includes properties rented to major tenants like Apple, Amazon, and Walmart.
12. Michael Bloomberg
- Net Worth: $106 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Bloomberg LP
- Citizenship: U.S.
Michael Bloomberg, cofounder of Bloomberg LP, has recently appointed a new CEO and committed to donating his 88% stake to Bloomberg Philanthropies. Despite his philanthropic plans, Bloomberg’s net worth continues to grow, cementing his place in the $100 Billion Club.
11. Sergey Brin
- Net Worth: $110 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Google
- Citizenship: U.S.
Sergey Brin, cofounder of Google, remains a major shareholder despite stepping back from day-to-day operations. Brin recently contributed to Google’s AI chatbot models, keeping him in the spotlight and ensuring his wealth continues to grow.
10. Larry Page
- Net Worth: $114 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Google
- Citizenship: U.S.
Larry Page, another Google cofounder, enjoys his wealth across multiple private islands. Despite his retreat from public life, Page’s investments in technology and AI keep his net worth rising, securing his spot among the richest billionaires.
9. Mukesh Ambani
- Net Worth: $116 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Diversified
- Citizenship: India
Mukesh Ambani, the first Asian member of the $100 Billion Club, saw his wealth surge due to the booming shares of his conglomerate, Reliance Industries. Known for hosting extravagant events, Ambani continues to make headlines and grow his fortune.
8. Steve Ballmer
- Net Worth: $121 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Microsoft
- Citizenship: U.S.
Steve Ballmer, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, will soon move his team to the new $2 billion Intuit Dome. Ballmer’s fortune has surged by $40 billion, driven by the rising value of the Clippers and Microsoft shares.
7. Bill Gates
- Net Worth: $128 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Microsoft
- Citizenship: U.S.
Despite significant charitable donations and a costly divorce, Bill Gates remains one of the wealthiest individuals. His continued investments and philanthropy keep his net worth high, though he ranks lower than in previous years.
6. Warren Buffett
- Net Worth: $133 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Berkshire Hathaway
- Citizenship: U.S.
Warren Buffett, renowned investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has seen his company’s shares hit record highs. Despite a recent feud over an acquisition, Buffett’s wealth continues to grow, solidifying his place in the $100 Billion Club.
5. Larry Ellison
- Net Worth: $141 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Oracle
- Citizenship: U.S.
Larry Ellison, Oracle’s chairman and CTO, has seen his company’s stock rise significantly. Despite setbacks in other ventures, Ellison’s fortune continues to grow, bolstered by substantial dividends from Oracle.
4. Mark Zuckerberg
- Net Worth: $177 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Facebook
- Citizenship: U.S.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), has seen his wealth rebound after significant layoffs and strategic investments in AI and the metaverse. Zuckerberg is now the wealthiest he has ever been.
3. Jeff Bezos
- Net Worth: $194 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Amazon
- Citizenship: U.S.
Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, has seen his wealth grow by $80 billion due to a surge in Amazon’s stock. Bezos recently relocated to Miami’s “billionaire bunker” island, continuing to enjoy his vast fortune.
2. Elon Musk
- Net Worth: $195 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Tesla, SpaceX
- Citizenship: U.S.
Elon Musk, known for his bold ventures, has fluctuated in and out of the top spot for the world’s richest person. His investments in Tesla and SpaceX have kept his wealth growing, despite challenges with other ventures.
1. Bernard Arnault
- Net Worth: $233 Billion
- Source of Wealth: LVMH
- Citizenship: France
Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, is the richest person in the world for the second year in a row. His luxury conglomerate, which includes brands like Louis Vuitton and Sephora, had another record year, boosting Arnault’s net worth by 10%.
These 14 billionaires represent the pinnacle of financial success, with their fortunes continuing to grow and their influence expanding globally.
