Larry Ellison is a prominent American businessman best known as the co-founder, former CEO, and current chairman and chief technology officer (CTO) of Oracle Corporation, a leading enterprise software company. Born on August 17, 1944, in New York City, Ellison’s journey from a modest upbringing to becoming one of the world’s wealthiest individuals is a testament to his innovation and determination.
Early Life and Education
Larry Ellison was born on August 17, 1944, in New York City to Florence Spellman, a young single mother. Shortly after his birth, he was sent to live with his aunt and uncle, Lillian and Louis Ellison, in Chicago, Illinois, where he was raised. Larry grew up in a modest, middle-class neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Despite a challenging upbringing and initially feeling out of place, his adoptive family provided him with a stable home environment.
Ellison’s academic journey was unconventional. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he showed promise in his studies but left during his second year following the death of his adoptive mother. He later enrolled at the University of Chicago for a brief period, where he encountered computer programming and design, which sparked his lifelong interest in technology. Though he did not complete a college degree, this exposure to computing would lay the foundation for his groundbreaking career in the tech industry.
Personal Life
Larry Ellison’s personal life is as dynamic as his professional career. He has been married and divorced four times, reflecting a complex and multifaceted personal journey. His spouses include Adda Quinn, Nancy Wheeler Jenkins, Barbara Boothe, and Melanie Craft, a romance novelist. Despite these marital transitions, Ellison has maintained strong relationships with his children, David and Megan, both of whom are successful producers in the film industry.
A man of varied interests, Ellison has a passion for luxury and adventure. He owns multiple properties, including a sprawling estate in Woodside, California, and the Hawaiian island of Lanai, which he purchased in 2012 for an estimated $300 million. His love for yachting and competitive sailing has also been well-documented; he even funded Oracle Team USA, which won the prestigious America’s Cup.
Beyond his luxurious lifestyle, Ellison is deeply engaged in philanthropy. Through his Lawrence Ellison Foundation, he has donated millions to medical research, education, and global health initiatives. His personal life reflects a blend of ambition, indulgence, and a commitment to giving back.
Career
Larry Ellison’s career is marked by relentless innovation and visionary leadership. In 1977, he co-founded Software Development Laboratories, alongside Bob Miner and Ed Oates, with an initial investment of $2,000. The company later rebranded as Oracle Corporation, named after a project they undertook for the CIA. Under Ellison’s leadership as CEO, Oracle became a global leader in database management systems, enterprise software, and cloud solutions. His strategic decisions, including aggressive acquisitions like Sun Microsystems and PeopleSoft, propelled Oracle to the forefront of the technology industry.
Ellison stepped down as CEO in 2014 but continues to serve as Oracle’s chairman and chief technology officer, focusing on the company’s innovation in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. His career has been defined by a combination of technical expertise, bold decision-making, and an ability to anticipate market trends, securing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in modern technology.
Detailed Bio Table
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Lawrence Joseph Ellison |
Date of Birth | August 17, 1944 |
Place of Birth | New York City, USA |
Height | Approximately 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) |
Parents’ Names | Biological mother: Florence Spellman; Adoptive parents: Lillian and Louis Ellison |
Net Worth (2024) | Approximately $141 billion |
Founding of Oracle Corporation
In 1977, Ellison co-founded Software Development Laboratories, which later became Oracle Corporation. Under his leadership, Oracle grew into a global leader in database software and enterprise solutions, significantly influencing the technology industry.
Physical Appearance
Larry Ellison stands at approximately 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) tall. He is known for his charismatic presence, often seen in tailored suits during public appearances, reflecting his status as a leading figure in the tech industry.
Net Worth as of 2024
As of 2024, Larry Ellison’s net worth is estimated to be around $141 billion, making him one of the richest individuals in the world. The majority of his wealth comes from his substantial ownership stake in Oracle Corporation, where he remains a pivotal figure as chairman and chief technology officer. Oracle’s continued success in the cloud computing and AI sectors has significantly boosted its market valuation, further amplifying Ellison’s fortune. Additionally, he holds shares in Tesla, acquired when he joined the company’s board of directors in 2018, adding to his financial portfolio. His ownership of luxury properties, including the Hawaiian island of Lanai, and investments in other tech ventures further solidify his standing among the global elite. Despite his immense wealth, Ellison is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts, pledging substantial resources to education, medical research, and climate change initiatives.
Social Media Accounts Table
Platform | Official Link |
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Larry Ellison’s Twitter | |
Larry Ellison’s LinkedIn | |
Larry Ellison’s Facebook |
Latest News
Larry Ellison has recently made headlines for his pivotal role in a groundbreaking NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal that has reshaped collegiate athletics. Ellison played a key part in facilitating a $10 million NIL contract to secure Bryce Underwood, a top high school quarterback prospect, for the University of Michigan football team. This deal not only highlights Ellison’s influence beyond the tech industry but also reflects his growing interest in collegiate sports and leveraging his resources to impact the recruitment process.
The deal, one of the most lucrative in NIL history, underscores how wealthy individuals are reshaping the dynamics of college sports through financial incentives. Ellison’s involvement in such a high-profile move has sparked debates about the evolving landscape of college athletics and the intersection of business and sports. This development showcases his willingness to engage in new arenas of influence while maintaining his reputation as an innovator and disruptor in every field he enters.
Philanthropy and Other Endeavors
Beyond his business ventures, Ellison is known for his philanthropic efforts, including significant contributions to medical research and education. He has also shown interest in yachting and aviation, reflecting his diverse personal interests.
Larry Ellison’s Businesses and Key Works
Category | Business/Work | Details |
---|---|---|
Technology | Oracle Corporation | Co-founder; transformed it into a global leader in database software, cloud computing, and enterprise solutions. |
Technology Investments | Tesla, Inc. | Major investor and former board member; holds significant shares in the electric vehicle company. |
Real Estate | Lanai Island | Purchased 98% of the Hawaiian island in 2012; developed it into a luxury destination and eco-tourism hub. |
Yachting | Oracle Team USA | Funded the team, which won the America’s Cup in 2010 and 2013, showcasing his passion for competitive sailing. |
Philanthropy | Lawrence Ellison Foundation | Supports global health, medical research, and educational initiatives through substantial donations. |
Aviation | Private Aircraft and Investments in Aviation | Owns private jets and has shown interest in aviation technology and related ventures. |
Sports & NIL Deals | Collegiate Athletics Sponsorship | Instrumental in facilitating a record-breaking $10 million NIL deal to recruit a top football prospect to Michigan. |
Hospitality | Luxury Hotels and Resorts on Lanai | Developed exclusive resorts like the Four Seasons, aligning with his real estate and luxury lifestyle investments. |
This table highlights Larry Ellison’s diverse portfolio of businesses and works, reflecting his influence across technology, sports, real estate, and philanthropy.
Conclusion
Larry Ellison’s impact on the technology industry and his ventures into various fields highlight his multifaceted contributions to modern society. His leadership at Oracle and his ongoing involvement in technological innovation continue to shape the future of enterprise solutions globally.
FAQs about Larry Ellison
1. How did Larry Ellison get so rich?
Larry Ellison became extraordinarily wealthy through his role as the co-founder of Oracle Corporation, one of the world’s largest and most successful software companies. His significant ownership stake in Oracle, combined with its growth in enterprise software, cloud computing, and database technology, has been the primary driver of his fortune. Additionally, Ellison has made strategic investments, such as in Tesla, and owns valuable real estate, including the Hawaiian island of Lanai, further diversifying his wealth.
2. Were Steve Jobs and Larry Ellison friends?
Yes, Larry Ellison and Steve Jobs shared a close friendship. They often spent time together and were known for their mutual admiration and respect. Ellison openly supported Jobs during his exile from Apple and was one of his closest confidants. After Jobs passed away in 2011, Ellison referred to him as “his best friend” and frequently spoke about Jobs’ unparalleled vision and creativity.
3. How much is Oracle’s CEO worth?
As of 2024, Larry Ellison, Oracle’s co-founder, chairman, and CTO, has a net worth of approximately $141 billion. While he is no longer the CEO of Oracle, he remains one of its largest shareholders, significantly contributing to his wealth.
4. Does Larry Ellison still own Oracle?
Yes, Larry Ellison still owns a significant portion of Oracle Corporation. While he stepped down as CEO in 2014, he continues to serve as the chairman of the board and chief technology officer, playing a crucial role in Oracle’s strategic direction and innovation. His substantial ownership stake in the company ensures that he remains one of its most influential figures.
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