I just noticed an interesting point in the history of technological wealth. On September 10 of last year, 81-year-old Larry Ellison did something rare — in one day, his wealth increased by more than 100 billion dollars, allowing him to surpass Elon Musk and become the richest person in the world. Ellison’s fortune reached 393 billion, while Musk’s remained at 385 billion. The reason? Oracle signed trillion-dollar contracts, including 300 billion for a five-year partnership with OpenAI. Shares jumped 40% in a day — the biggest gain since 1992.

What struck me was the trajectory of Larry Ellison himself. The guy was born in 1944 in the Bronx, sent to Chicago to his aunt at nine months old. His adoptive family lived in poverty, his father was a government employee. Ellison started studying in Illinois but dropped out after his adoptive mother died. Later, he studied at the University of Chicago — but also didn’t graduate. Instead, he traveled across the U.S., worked as a programmer. The turning point came in the early 1970s at Ampex Corporation, where he participated in a CIA project developing a data management system. The project was called Oracle.

In 1977, 32-year-old Larry Ellison, with two colleagues, invested $2,000 (himself contributed $1,200) and founded Software Development Laboratories. They decided to develop a universal commercial database based on what they did for the CIA, and named it Oracle. In 1986, the company went public on NASDAQ and became a star in the enterprise software market.

Ellison is a stubborn, ambitious type. He held almost all executive roles: president from 1978 to 1996, chairman from 1990 to 1992. In 1992, he nearly died surfing, but that didn’t stop him. He returned and managed the company for another ten years. He stepped down as CEO in 2014 but remains executive chairman and CTO to this day. Over forty years, Oracle has experienced ups and downs but has always remained a key player in enterprise software.

Now, about why this moment is significant. Oracle initially lagged in cloud computing behind AWS and Azure, seeming slow. But thanks to advantages in databases and deep work with corporate clients, it took a unique position. In summer 2025, the company announced layoffs in traditional divisions, simultaneously sharply increasing investments in data centers and AI infrastructure. The market is now desperately demanding AI infrastructure, and Oracle holds that ticket. The transformation from “old software company” to “dark horse of AI infrastructure” — that’s what happened.

Ellison’s personal life is no less colorful. He owns 98% of Lanai Island in Hawaii, several luxury homes in California, some of the world’s best yachts. Obsessed with water and wind — in 1992, he almost died surfing, but continues sailing. In 2013, his Oracle Team USA made a comeback in the America’s Cup. He founded SailGP — a high-speed regatta that attracted investors like Anne Hathaway and Mbappé. Tennis is another passion; he revived the tournament in Indian Wells, now called the fifth Grand Slam tournament.

The secret to Ellison’s youthfulness is self-discipline. He spends hours a day on sports, rarely drinks sugary beverages, prefers water and green tea, strictly controls his diet. At 81, he remains energetic, described as looking twenty years younger than his peers. As for marriages — he’s had four, plus numerous affairs. In 2024, he secretly married Chinese Joli Zhu, who is 47 years younger. The internet jokes that Ellison loves waves but also loves romantic relationships.

In the political arena, Ellison has long been active. He supports the Republican Party and funds campaigns. In January of this year, along with the CEO of SoftBank and the CEO of OpenAI, he appeared at the White House, announcing the construction of a network of AI data centers worth $500 billion. It’s not just business; it’s an expansion of influence.

Ellison’s philanthropy has a personal touch. In 2010, he signed a pledge to give away at least 95% of his wealth. But unlike Gates and Buffett, he rarely participates in collective projects. He prefers to develop the future himself. He donated $200 million to a cancer research center at USC, recently announced the creation of the Ellison Institute of Technology with Oxford to research medicine, food, and climate.

That’s the story. Larry Ellison, at 81, has finally become the world’s richest person. From an orphan thrown into Chicago to a Silicon Valley magnate who felt the wave of AI and launched a “delayed attack.” His life is constant movement: wealth, power, marriages, sports, charity. He’s stubborn, aggressive, never compromises. The throne of the richest may soon change hands, but at this moment, Ellison proved: in an era when AI redefines everything, the old-school tech mogul legend is not over yet.