In 2022, he also purchased the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). These billionaire Scandinavian entrepreneurs have numerous tech ventures to their names. The peer-to-peer file-sharing service called Kazaa was their brainchild, but the pair came into the limelight with Skype, the first prominent computer-to-computer voice and video calling service. The co-founder of Sun Microsystems was instrumental in building the company—which he founded in 1982—into a billion-dollar business.
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- Holding the title of the richest person in the world from 2010 through 2013, Slim amassed his fortune through significant holdings in various Mexican companies under his empire, Grupo Carso.
- Michael wasn’t the only famous entrepreneur to ride the computer boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s from rags to riches.
- Their stories inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and contribute to the broader narrative of global business success.
- There is no doubt that Edison was brilliant; however, it was his business sense, not his talent as an inventor, that clearly showed his intelligence.
- Steve Jobs was not only a tech genius but also a master marketer, who knew how to create a buzz and generate excitement around his products.
He is the founder of SpaceX, Tesla Motors, and SolarCity, among other companies, and has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in these industries. His vision for a sustainable future has captured the imagination of millions, and his relentless pursuit of his goals has earned him a reputation as one of the most driven and determined entrepreneurs of our time. With his eye always on the horizon, Musk is sure to continue to make waves in the years to come, and we can’t wait to see what he comes up with next. Although he stepped down as president of Alphabet, Google’s parent company, in December 2019, Brin remains a controlling shareholder and a board member, solidifying his position among the most famous entrepreneurs today. Prominent and esteemed entrepreneurs are noteworthy individuals who have not only revolutionized industries but have also instigated a paradigm shift in global perspectives. Boasting diverse backgrounds and expertise across various domains, these business luminaries consistently top industry charts, standing as exemplary role models.
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Bechtolsheim launched a server technology company called Kealia in 2001, which was sold to Sun Microsystems in 2004, bringing him back to the Sun management team. Following that, he co-founded Arista Networks in 2005, a high-speed networking firm. He also co-founded HighBAR Ventures, a venture capital investment firm that has invested in many technology start-ups.
Adebiyi-Abioloa, who left her home city of Lagos, Nigeria to receive education at MIT, founded the recycling company Wecylers around the principle of providing zero-pollution recycling options for Lagos’ 15 million residents. Entrepreneurs are risk-takers, innovative thinkers, and self-motivated individuals. They possess resilience, adaptability, and persistence to overcome challenges, while being goal-oriented and passionate about their ventures. He eventually owned Fashion Fair Cosmetics, the largest black-owned cosmetics company in the world. In 1996, President Bill Clinton awarded Johnson with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the nation.
Facebook was launched by Zuckerberg from Harvard’s dormitory rooms on February 4, 2004. He was aided by his college roommates and fellow Harvard University students Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz, Andrew McCollum, and Chris Hughes. Time magazine has named Zuckerberg among the 100 wealthiest and most influential people in the world as a part of its Person of the Year distinction since 2010. Valued at $192 Billion, Elon Reeve Musk, is one of the most famous entrepreneurs and the richest person in the world. Elon Musk, the fourth entrepreneur on our list, is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and innovative minds of our time. Known for his groundbreaking work in the fields of electric cars, space travel, and renewable energy, Musk has become a household name in recent years.
Ranked: The World’s Most Influential Entrepreneurs Today, 2023
These 10 entrepreneurs succeeded by giving customers something better, faster, and cheaper than others. Because entrepreneurship is so diverse, and everyone’s beginnings are different, entrepreneurs can take many different avenues to succeed. Born in Arkansas in 1918, John Johnson is regarded as one of the most influential African American publishers in American history. After finding success with his 1942 launch of Negro Digest, Johnson published Ebony, the most popular African American magazine in the world since its launch in 1945. Six years later, Johnson launched the largest weekly African American news magazine, Jet.
He was ranked #7 on Forbes list of billionaires since 31 July 2016, with a net worth that is estimated at more than $50 billion. His empire includes education, entertainment, energy, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, transportation, retail, real estate, media, hospitality, high-technology, sports, and financial services. However, his great effort and a constant hunger to be a famous entrepreneur have bought him a great tenure of success. Sara Blakely is a name that might not be as well-known as some of the other entrepreneurs on this list, but she has certainly made her mark in the business world.
There is no doubt that Edison was brilliant; however, it was his business sense, not his talent as an inventor, that clearly showed his intelligence. Edison took innovation and made it the process now known as research and development. He sold his services to many other companies before striking out on his own to create most of the electrical power infrastructure of the United States. Andrew Carnegie loved efficiency—his mills were always on the leading edge of technology. Carnegie combined his superior processes with an excellent sense of timing, snapping up steel assets in every market downturn. Running multiple businesses doesn’t always increase your odds of success, and may end up causing more problems in the long run.
His influence is not only limited to business, but he has also co-founded X.com, which later merged with Cofinity to become a prominent online bank. 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. Born on 18th, July 1950, Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson is an English business magnate, investor, and philanthropist.
Sometimes a single business can require all of an entrepreneur’s attention. Kopelman is currently the managing director of First Round Capital, which has been funding Internet companies for the last 20 years. In 2018, he was ranked the third top venture capitalist by the New York Times. After these early successes, Musk showed no sign of slowing down and went on to found or invest in companies like SpaceX, Tesla Motors, and The Boring Company.
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Mark Zuckerberg, along with his college roommates and fellow Harvard University students, launched Facebook from their dormitory rooms in 2004. Despite dropping out of Harvard, Zuckerberg’s entrepreneurial vision led to the creation of one of the world’s most influential social media platforms. Zuckerberg’s impact extends beyond business success; he has been recognized by Time magazine among the 100 wealthiest and most influential people globally, reflecting his significant influence in the tech industry. Carlos Slim, born on January 28th, 1940, is a Mexican business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. Holding the title of the richest person in the world from 2010 through 2013, Slim amassed his fortune through significant holdings in various Mexican companies under his empire, Grupo Carso. Larry Ellison was the CEO of Oracle from its foundation until September 2014.
Depending on when this question is asked, the top entrepreneur in the world is often the world’s richest person. For example, Ara Chackerian co-founded Mindful Health Solutions—a psychiatric practice treating mental illness—and is an investor in start-up healthcare companies. Abhilash Patel is the co-founder of Recovery Bands and other websites that help people struggling with addiction find the treatment they need.
Then, rather than booking all of the savings as profits, Walton passed them onto the consumer. Like Rockefeller, Carnegie spent his years giving away the fortune he spent most of his life building. Although he isn’t as well-remembered as some of his contemporaries, Andrew Carnegie’s legacy is strong and moralistic.
Not only has Oprah paved the way for many businesswomen, but she consistently demonstrates how to use entrepreneurial power for good. One of the richest and most influential women, Oprah Winfrey’s career started as a news anchor and blossomed into a full-blown entrepreneur. It became the highest-rated U.S. talk show and earned Oprah several Emmy Awards. Oprah has also starred in films, including leading roles and as a voice actress in several animated films. You may have heard of today’s entrepreneurs due to their frequent appearances in the news, but the history books are where most are found. These businesspeople changed their industries and culture, built vast wealth, and created innovations that continue to influence our lives today.
He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, having pledged to donate 99% of his wealth to charity. What sets Buffett apart from other entrepreneurs is his humble lifestyle and his focus on long-term investments. He is a true top 10 entrepreneurs in the world example of how hard work, dedication, and a strong moral compass can lead to great success. It’s no wonder that he is often cited as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs around the world.
