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Check out the updated list of the 5 richest men in the world in 2024, dominated by tech giants like Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk and Bill Gates. Find out who's on top!
O Bloomberg Billionaires Index is widely respected as one of the most reliable and up-to-date sources for keeping up with the richest men in the world. Among the main names on this list, updated in September, are influential businessmen in the technology and luxury sectors, such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates e Bernard Arnault.
Bloomberg Billionaires Index has an advanced system that can monitor the evolution of the wealth of the world's top billionaires, providing insights into their financial movements and the impact of their companies on the market.
Top 5 richest men in the world in 2024
We will explore who these billionaires are and understand the factors that led them to accumulate immense fortunes. By examining their trajectories, from their first steps in the business world to their greatest achievements to reach the list of the richest men in the world.
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- Russian general warns British missile strike could trigger World War III: UK targeted for devastating retaliation
As we move forward, we'll rank these tycoons by net worth, culminating in the reveal of who currently holds the title of world's richest man in September 2024.
5. Bill Gates – $157 billion
Who is it: Bill Gates was a co-founder of Microsoft, the world's largest software company, which generated revenue of $212 billion in 2023. Gates is widely known not only for his contributions to technology but also for his philanthropic work.
- Microsoft: Since its founding in 1975, Microsoft has become a global powerhouse, revolutionizing the world of personal computers. Although Gates stepped down as CEO many years ago, he still maintains a significant fortune derived from his early stake in the company.
- CascadeInvestment: Most of Gates' fortune is managed by CascadeInvestment, a private holding company that invests in several publicly traded companies, such as Canadian national railway, Deere e Ecolab. Over the years, Gates has accumulated more than $60 billion in stocks and dividends.
In addition to his business career, Bill Gates is recognized worldwide for his dedication to philanthropy. Through Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, he has donated billions to fight disease, improve education and reduce global poverty.
4. Mark Zuckerberg – $178 billion
Who is it: Mark Zuckerberg is co-founder and CEO of MetaPlatforms, formerly known as Facebook, the largest social network in the world. Under his command, Meta has approximately 4 billion active monthly users, consolidating itself as one of the largest digital empires in the world.
- MetaPlatforms: The bulk of Zuckerberg's fortune comes from his roughly 13% stake in Meta, a company that generated $134,9 billion in revenue in 2023. With 3 billion users on Facebook and billions more using Instagram and WhatsApp, Zuckerberg has become a central figure in the digital world.
- Philanthropy: In addition to his business success, Zuckerberg has a strong commitment to philanthropy. He plans to donate 99% of his shares over his lifetime, and since 2016, he has started selling his shares to fund charitable initiatives. His most famous project, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, is aimed at solving major global challenges, such as education and health.
3. Bernard Arnault – $181 billion
Who is it: Bernard Arnault is the CEO of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world's largest luxury goods conglomerate. With brands iconic as Louis Vuitton, TAG Heuer e Dom Pérignon, Arnault is the king of global luxury.
- LVMH: Arnault controls about 48% of LVMH, which had revenue of $93,2 billion in 2023. He holds his shares through entities associated with Agache financier, a family holding company that oversees his family's investments. Under his leadership, LVMH has expanded to become the world's largest luxury goods conglomerate.
- business strategy: Arnault is known for his strategic acquisitions in the luxury sector, consolidating the portfolio of the world's most prestigious brands. His ability to preserve the exclusivity and appeal of his brands is one of the reasons why he continues to grow his fortune and maintain his position at the top.
2. Jeff Bezos – $195 billion
Who is it: Jeff Bezos is the founder of Amazon, the world's largest online retailer. Amazon has diversified into offering services such as cloud computing, streaming, and even physical supermarkets with the acquisition of Whole Foods.
- Amazon: Bezos owns about 9% of Amazon, which generated a staggering $574,8 billion in revenue in 2023. He was the first to transform an online bookseller into a global e-commerce giant, with operations in nearly every retail sector.
- Blue Origin: In addition to Amazon, Bezos also founded Blue Origin, a space exploration company that competes directly with Elon Musk's SpaceX. He funds the company by selling approximately $2 billion worth of Amazon stock each year.
- Washington Post and other investments: Bezos also owns the The Washington Post, acquired for $250 million in 2013, and has made several high-value investments, including a $500 million superyacht. He has also pledged to donate billions to fight climate change and support social causes.
1. Elon Musk – $237 billion
Who is it: Elon Musk is the CEO of Tesla, the most valuable electric carmaker in the world, and also SpaceX, the world's largest private rocket manufacturer. Musk also owns X (formerly known as Twitter), among other innovative companies.
- Tesla: Musk owns about 13% of Tesla, a leader in the electric vehicle and sustainable energy solutions market. Under his leadership, the company has become the most valuable automaker in the world, with an impressive market capitalization.
- SpaceX: Valued at around $210 billion, SpaceX is a pioneer in reusable rockets and plays a crucial role in NASA missions, including resupplying the International Space Station. Musk owns about 42% of the company.
- XCorp: Musk also owns the social network X, acquired in 2022 for US$ 44 billion. Although the value of the company has decreased significantly, Musk continues to innovate in the area of social networks and digital communication.
In addition to these companies, Musk has stakes in other visionary startups, such as Neuralink (brain-machine interface technology) and The Boring Company (innovation in transportation infrastructure). Its ambitions go beyond Earth, with the goal of colonizing Mars and transforming the future of humanity.
Bloomberg Billionaires Index
O Bloomberg Billionaires Index provides a clear and detailed look at the world’s most impactful fortunes. By following the journey of each of these billionaires, we see how their ventures shape not only their personal fortunes, but also the future of their industries and the global economy.
Whether through technological innovation Elon Musk e Jeff Bezos, or by dominating the luxury market Bernard Arnault, these leaders continue to inspire and challenge the world with their visions. As their fortunes grow, so does their global impact, transforming the way we live, work and consume.
