14 DAY TRIAL // While Bill Gates continues to lead the chart of the wealthiest tech leaders, that’s not exactly new to anyone by now. What is impressive, however, is the growth of Mark Zuckerberg’s fortune.
According to Forbes’ newest list of the richest Americans, Facebook’s co-founder and CEO has a net worth of $34 billion (€26.7 billion), which is $15 billion (€11.8 billion) more than last year. This makes him the biggest gainer on the list, especially since his worth has tripled over the past two years.
Bill Gates leads the list of the richest members of the tech community out of the Forbes 400 list, with a worth of $81 billion (€63.8 billion), which is $9 billion (€7.08 billion) over last year’s results. The second spot is occupied by Oracle founder Larry Ellison whose net worth sits at a hefty $50 billion (€39.4 billion).
Mark Zuckerberg comes next, occupying the third place, with a net worth of $34 billion (€26.7 billion), which is quite impressive. His company has grown exponentially in the past few years, especially after managing to set itself straight after the IPO fiasco from 2012. In the past few months, Facebook bought WhatsApp for a shocking $19 billion (€14.96 billion) and spent another $2 billion (€1.57 billion) on Oculus VR.
Google founders stand close together
Google co-founder Larry Page comes up next, with a net worth of $31.5 billion (€24.8 billion), while Sergei Brin comes up next with $31 billion (€24.4 billion) worth. The company they both built has come up a long way and has a lot to offer from the world. Aside from the Internet-based services, Google has built Google Glass, and has been working on other interesting projects, such as the driverless cars, the WiFi via balloons or the delivery drones, to name just a few.
Amazon’s Jeff Bezos follows close behind with an estimated net worth of $30.5 billion (€24 billion), while Microsoft’s former CEO takes up the seventh spot. Steve Balmer retired in February 2014 and has now moved on to being the boss of the Los Angeles Clippers, for which he paid $2 billion (€1.57 billion). Considering his net worth stands at $22.5 billion (€17.7 billion), he certainly has deep enough pockets to afford it.
Michael Dell, founder of Dell Inc., one of the leading personal computer sellers, occupies the eighth spot with $17.7 billion (€13.93 billion). He is followed by Charles Egen, the creator of DISH Networks and EchoStar, whose net worth sits at $17.2 billion (€13.54 billion).
Wrapping up the chart is Paul Allen, who helped found Microsoft with Bill Gates back in 1975. He was with the company for eight years and has since bought a couple of sports teams.