Ranked: The World’s Most Influential Entrepreneurs Today, 2023

The impact of entrepreneurs on the business landscape has been profound, thanks to their innovative thinking and ability to conceptualize viable ideas for global business expansion. Leveraging the power of technology and social media, the once enigmatic realm of entrepreneurship has become more accessible, enabling determined individuals to pursue their ambitions globally.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this period also brought new prospects for enterprising minds. However, recent years have witnessed unprecedented economic turmoil, leading to uncertainties in global markets, including difficulties in securing funds, equity market sell-offs, and widespread layoffs.

Paradoxically, these challenges have paved the way for new businesses to emerge and flourish. A notable example is the widespread adoption of remote work culture, which gained prominence during lockdowns and has since become a cost-saving measure for companies. Tech giants such as Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: META) have transitioned numerous job roles from physical to remote work settings. Approximately 34 percent of tech sector job postings during May 2023 offered remote or hybrid work flexibility.

In terms of successful entrepreneurs, Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk stand out for their groundbreaking contributions to the business world. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Amazon, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), under the leadership of Jobs and Bezos, respectively, have revolutionized the technology and e-commerce sectors. Similarly, Elon Musk’s ventures, such as Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) and SpaceX, have made remarkable strides in the fields of electric vehicles and space exploration.

The World’s Most Influential Entrepreneurs Today, 2023

Our compilation of the 20 most influential entrepreneurs today is based on a rigorous methodology centered around net worth as an indicator of an entrepreneur’s influence. To ensure accuracy, we cross-referenced data from reputable sources, including the Forbes Real Time Billionaires List and the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Our list comprises entrepreneurs who have founded, co-founded, or built businesses while excluding those who inherited their family enterprises. The entrepreneur with the highest net worth occupies the top position on our list, reflecting their significant impact within their respective industries and beyond.

1. Elon Musk
   Total Net Worth: $209 Billion
   Elon Musk, a serial entrepreneur, has co-founded six notable companies, including Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA), SpaceX, The Boring Company, and Neuralink, revolutionizing the fields of electric vehicles, space exploration, and artificial intelligence. Musk’s profound influence extends across the global business landscape.
2. Bernard Arnault
   Total Net Worth: $166 Billion
   Bernard Arnault oversees the fashion conglomerate LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (EPA: MC) and maintains a diversified portfolio through his holding company Agache, which supports the venture capital firm Aglaé Ventures. As the second-richest individual globally, Arnault’s entrepreneurial prowess is widely recognized.
3. Jeff Bezos
   Total Net Worth: $162 Billion
   Jeff Bezos, the visionary founder of the e-commerce behemoth Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), also holds ownership of The Washington Post and Blue Origin. Despite transferring a significant portion of his Amazon.com stake, Bezos remains an influential figure in the business world.
4. Larry Ellison
   Total Net Worth: $116 Billion
   Larry Ellison, the co-founder and chief technology officer of Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL), retains a major stake in the electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA). With an impressive legacy at Oracle, Ellison continues to leave an indelible mark on the technology industry.
5. Warren Buffett
   Total Net Worth: $118 Billion
   Warren Buffett, renowned for his investment acumen, leads Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK-A), which boasts ownership of various companies, including Geico, Dairy Queen, and Duracell. As one of the most successful investors in history, Buffett’s influence resonates throughout the financial world.
6. Mark Zuckerberg
   Total Net Worth: $114 Billion
   Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, now Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: META), has transformed social networking with his innovative vision. With ownership of major social media platforms, including Instagram and WhatsApp, Zuckerberg remains a prominent figure in the tech industry.
7. Sergey Brin
   Total Net Worth: $111 Billion
   Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, now a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG), played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of online information. Although he stepped down as president, Brin’s influence within the company and the tech sector remains significant.
8. Bill Gates
   Total Net Worth: $128 Billion
   Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) and a pioneer in the software industry, continues to inspire through his philanthropic efforts and groundbreaking contributions to the technological landscape.
9. Larry Page
   Total Net Worth: $116 Billion
   Larry Page, co-founder of Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG), remains actively involved in innovative projects, including investments in space exploration and support for futuristic transportation ventures. His influence extends across various technological domains.
10. Steve Ballmer
    Total Net Worth: $122 Billion
    Steve Ballmer, who served as CEO of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) for over a decade, has significantly contributed to the company’s growth and evolution. His ownership of the NBA team LA Clippers further demonstrates his diverse entrepreneurial endeavors.
11. Mukesh Ambani
    Total Net Worth: $86.5 Billion
    Mukesh Ambani, India’s most influential businessman, leads Reliance Industries Limited (NSE: RELIANCE), a conglomerate with diverse operations in oil and gas, petrochemicals, telecom, and retail. Ambani’s business acumen has significantly impacted India’s corporate landscape.
12. Carlos Slim Helu
    Total Net Worth: $87.8 Billion
    Carlos Slim Helu, the owner of América Móvil, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: AMX), the largest mobile telecom firm in Latin America, holds stakes in various industries, including construction, mining, consumer goods, and real estate. His influence in the Latin American business sphere remains unmatched.
13. Amancio Ortega
    Total Net Worth: $72.8 Billion
    Amancio Ortega, co-founder of Industria de Diseno Textil, S.A. (MCE: ITX), has established a significant presence in the global fashion industry through the renowned fashion brand Zara. Ortega’s diverse investments, particularly in real estate, reflect his entrepreneurial versatility.
14. Michael Dell
    Total Net Worth: $65.3 Billion
    Michael Dell, the founder of Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE: DELL), has played a pivotal role in the transformation of the PC industry. With his innovative approach to computer manufacturing, Dell continues to influence the technology sector.
15. Zhong Shanshan
    Total Net Worth: $62.8 Billion
    Zhong Shanshan, the founder of Nongfu Spring Co., Ltd. (HKG:9633) and Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise Co., Ltd. (SHA:603392), has significantly impacted the beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Shanshan’s entrepreneurial journey is characterized by remarkable achievements despite starting as a school dropout.
16. Gautam Adani
    Total Net Worth: $60.1 Billion
    Gautam Adani, the founder of Adani Enterprises Limited (NSE: ADANIENT), has created an extensive business empire spanning ports, airports, power generation and transmission, and green energy. Adani’s contributions to various sectors have solidified his position as a prominent figure in the Indian business landscape.
17. Jensen Huang
    Total Net Worth: $40.1 Billion
    Jensen Huang, the co-founder and CEO of NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA), has spearheaded the company’s growth to become a dominant force in the global chip-making market. Huang’s leadership has established NVIDIA as one of the leading technology companies worldwide.
18. Ken Griffin
    Total Net Worth: $36 Billion
    Ken Griffin, the founder of Citadel Investment Group, LLC, and Citadel Securities, has significantly contributed to the financial sector through his hedge fund management and market-making firm on Wall Street.
19. Colin Zheng Huang
    Total Net Worth: $37.5 Billion
    Colin Zheng Huang, the founder of PDD Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: PDD) and Xinyoudi, have left a profound mark on the Chinese e-commerce industry and the online gaming sector. Huang’s entrepreneurial achievements continue to influence the business landscape.
20. Ma Huateng
    Total Net Worth: $35 Billion
    Ma Huateng, the founder of Tencent Holdings Ltd (HKG:0700), has propelled the growth of the Chinese internet giant, establishing it as a prominent global firm. With his significant contributions to the technology industry, Ma Huateng remains a key influencer in the entrepreneurial sphere.

In the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship, these visionaries have reshaped industries worldwide, inspiring a new wave of aspiring entrepreneurs. Their enduring legacies stand as a testament to the power of determination and innovation, serving as beacons of inspiration for future generations to push the boundaries of what is possible in the pursuit of entrepreneurial excellence.

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