Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Lawrence Joseph Ellison (Larry Ellison)
- Date of Birth: August 17, 1944
- Birthplace: New York City, USA
- Adoption: At just nine months old, Larry was adopted by his aunt and uncle in Chicago after his biological mother, a single young woman, gave him up. He did not meet his biological mother again until he was 48 years old.
- Education: Ellison attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign but dropped out before graduating after his adoptive mother passed away. He briefly attended the University of Chicago, where he was introduced to computer design.
Career Beginnings
- After moving to California in the late 1960s, Ellison took jobs at companies like Amdahl Corporation and Ampex. At Ampex, he worked on a project for the CIA, codenamed “Oracle,” which later inspired the name of his future company.
Oracle Corporation
- Founding: In 1977, Ellison co-founded Software Development Laboratories (SDL) with partners Bob Miner and Ed Oates. The company was later renamed Oracle Corporation in 1982.
- Breakthrough: Oracle’s initial success came from its innovative relational database software, which allowed businesses to store and retrieve data more efficiently. The release of Oracle Database 2 was a game-changer in the tech industry.
- Growth and Acquisitions: Under Ellison’s leadership, Oracle grew rapidly and became a dominant force in enterprise software, cloud computing, and database systems. The company acquired major firms, including:
- PeopleSoft (2005)
- BEA Systems (2008)
- Sun Microsystems (2010), acquiring Java and MySQL in the process
- NetSuite (2016)
- Leadership: Ellison served as CEO until 2014, when he transitioned to the roles of Chairman and Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
Net Worth and Business Success
- Net Worth: As of 2025, Larry Ellison’s net worth is estimated at over $120 billion, making him one of the richest individuals in the world. Much of his wealth stems from his large stake in Oracle and investments in Tesla, where he serves on the board of directors.
- Wealth Ranking: He consistently ranks among the top 10 richest people globally.
Personal Life
- Marriages: Ellison has been married and divorced four times. He has two children, Megan and David, both of whom are successful in the film industry.
- Interests:
- Sailing: Ellison is an avid sailor and won the America’s Cup in 2010 with his team, Oracle Team USA.
- Aviation: He is a licensed pilot and owns several aircraft, including military jets.
- Tennis: In 2009, Ellison purchased the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California and turned it into a premier venue.
Philanthropy and Real Estate
- Philanthropy: Larry Ellison has signed the Giving Pledge, promising to donate most of his wealth to charitable causes. He has contributed to medical research, education, and global health initiatives.
- Real Estate:
- In 2012, Ellison purchased 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lanai for $300 million, transforming it into a sustainable paradise.
- He owns several high-value properties across the United States, including in Malibu, San Francisco, and Newport, Rhode Island.
Legacy
Larry Ellison is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and visionary leaders in technology. His relentless drive and ability to foresee trends in enterprise software and cloud computing have cemented Oracle as a technological powerhouse. Beyond business, his adventurous spirit and philanthropic efforts reflect his multifaceted personality.
Let me know if you’d like to explore specific aspects of his life in more detail!
