Mirror Review
September 11, 2025
Larry Ellison briefly overtook Elon Musk as the richest man in the world before Musk snatched the crown back.
Larry’s real-time net worth of $387.6 billion, as reported by Forbes, shows he is not just a name in the billionaire rankings.
Behind those numbers are smart moves, unusual passions, and surprising facts that explain why Ellison has stayed relevant for decades.
Here are 10 surprising Larry Ellison facts that reveal the man behind Oracle, his fortune, and his lifestyle.
1. He Started Oracle With Just $2,000
Ellison co-founded Oracle in 1977 with two partners and a modest $2,000 investment. At a time when databases were still experimental, he bet on the idea of relational databases.
That risky bet worked. Oracle went from a startup with one CIA contract to becoming the backbone of banking, retail, and government systems worldwide.
2. He Owns 98% of a Hawaiian Island
In 2012, Ellison bought nearly the entire Hawaiian island of Lanai for about $300 million. He has since invested heavily in transforming it into a sustainable paradise.
Projects include solar-powered hotels, organic farms, and experiments in renewable energy and desalination. His vision is to make Lanai a model for future eco-living.
3. He Invested Early in Tesla
Ellison joined Tesla’s board in 2018 after buying $1 billion worth of Tesla stock. That investment skyrocketed in value during Tesla’s meteoric rise, adding tens of billions to his fortune.
For a man known for enterprise software, this demonstrates his willingness to back bold, disruptive technology far outside his own field.
4. He’s a Competitive Sailor Who Won the America’s Cup
Ellison’s love of sailing turned into history-making wins. His team, Oracle Team USA, won the America’s Cup in 2010 and pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in sports in 2013.
Down 8–1 against Emirates Team New Zealand, Oracle Team USA won eight straight races to clinch the Cup.
These Larry Ellison facts are a dramatic showcase of Ellison’s obsession with competition and technology.
5. He Collects Fighter Jets
Unlike most billionaires who stick to private jets, Ellison owns military aircraft, including decommissioned fighter planes.
Piloting these jets requires skill and precision, traits Ellison thrives on.
6. His Real Estate Portfolio Is Worth Billions
Ellison owns one of the largest private real estate collections in the United States. His holdings include dozens of Malibu beachfront properties, a historic Japanese-style estate in Woodside, California, and a luxury golf club in Rancho Mirage.
Combined, his real estate portfolio is worth several billion dollars and reflects his love for design, exclusivity, and lifestyle investments.
7. He Bought Sun Microsystems for $7.4 billion
In 2010, Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems for $7.4 billion.
This single move gave Ellison control of Java, the world’s most widely used programming language, and MySQL, the popular open-source database.
It helped Oracle dominate in enterprise software and expanded its influence into hardware and internet infrastructure.
8. He Dropped Out of College Twice
Ellison dropped out of the University of Illinois after his adoptive mother died and later left the University of Chicago after one semester.
With no degree, he taught himself programming and worked odd jobs before founding Oracle.
9. He Quietly Gives Billions to Medical Research
Ellison has donated over $1 billion through his foundation, focusing on medical research and education. His foundation has supported projects tackling aging, cancer, and global health challenges.
While he is known for yachts, jets, and real estate, his quiet philanthropy shows another side of a man whose wealth is also fueling science and medicine.
10. His Son David Is Paramount’s new CEO
Larry Ellison’s son, David Ellison, carved out his own path in entertainment.
He founded Skydance Media, the studio behind hits like Top Gun: Maverick, Mission: Impossible, and the Terminator reboot.
David has proven himself as a Hollywood heavyweight, turning Skydance into a billion-dollar production house.
Larry, a tech mogul, and David, a film producer, show how ambition runs deep in the Ellison family.
Why These Larry Ellison Facts Matter
Larry Ellison’s story is about relentless competition, risk-taking like layoffs, and reinventing himself and his company over decades.
From building Oracle with pocket money to becoming the second richest man on earth, Larry Ellison has consistently stayed ahead of the curve.
These Larry Ellison facts show a man who never settled for being just another billionaire.
His fortune reflects not only software and stock gains but also vision, adventure, and a deep interest in shaping the future.
At 81, Ellison remains one of the most fascinating figures in business. He is a reminder that true wealth comes from turning bold ideas into lasting impact.
