Larry Ellison

Lawrence Joseph Ellison or Larry Ellison, born on August 17, 1944, in New York City, is the co-founder, executive chairman, and chief technology officer (CTO) ofOracle Corporation, one of the world's largest software companies. Ellison led Oracle as CEO from 1977 to 2014, steering it into global prominence. He closed Project Ronin, a cancer care-focused startup. He also stepped down fromTesla’sboard in 2022 but retained a minority stake.

As of December 2024, Larry Ellison is the third wealthiest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of $221.6 billion, according to Forbes. He also owns 98% of L?na?i, a Hawaiian island he purchased in 2012.

Ellison's career began in thetechnologysector in the 1970s. Inspired by Edgar F. Codd's research on relational databases, he co-founded Software Development Laboratories in 1977, later renamed Oracle. Oracle grew rapidly, dominating the database management industry and acquiring numerous companies, including Sun Microsystems in 2010 and Cerner in 2021. Today, Oracle is a leader in cloud computing and enterprise software.

Larry Ellison has made significant philanthropic contributions. He donated $200 million to establish the Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine at USC. Recently, the institute expanded with a new campus inOxford, focusing on scholarships and cancer research. Ellison has also been involved in sports, funding SailGP, an international sailing competition.

Larry Ellison is a licensed pilot and has owned several aircraft, including a Gulfstream V. He made headlines for his legal disputes over airport regulations and ownership of luxury yachts. He also owns properties in California, Florida, and Hawaii.

Ellison studied at the University of Illinois and later at the University of Chicago but did not complete a degree. His educational background introduced him to computer design, shaping his career in technology.