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[FCE] Larry Ellison: Oracle co-founder who overtook Musk as world’s richest person | US news | The Guardian

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In a surprising turn of events in the world of business and technology, Larry Ellison, the co-founder of the software giant Oracle, briefly became the world’s richest person on Wednesday, September 11, 2025. A sharp rise in Oracle’s stock prices pushed Ellison’s net worth to an incredible 393 billion dollars, narrowly surpassing Elon Musk’s 384 billion. Although Musk reclaimed the top position by the end of the day, this moment has thrust Ellison into the global spotlight, highlighting the volatile nature of wealth in the tech industry.

Larry Ellison, now 81 years old, founded Oracle in the 1970s with a contract to develop a database for the CIA. Over the decades, Oracle has grown into a leading tech company, providing software solutions to businesses worldwide. In recent years, the company has seen remarkable success in cloud computing, and its growth has been further fueled by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Ellison has described AI as a more significant revolution than electricity, reflecting his enthusiasm for this cutting-edge technology. After serving as CEO for 37 years, he stepped down in 2014 to become chief technology officer, while still holding over 40% of Oracle’s shares.

Outside of business, Ellison leads an extravagant lifestyle. He owns mega-yachts, private jets, and even 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, which he purchased in 2012. On Lanai, he has established a luxury resort and a farm, though some local residents feel that their peaceful island has been turned into a retreat for the super-rich. Ellison also has notable political connections. He is a close friend of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, and has been linked to efforts to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations. Additionally, he has made significant donations to support the Israeli military.

Ellison’s brief time as the world’s richest person underscores the growing importance of AI in driving corporate success. It also raises broader questions about the influence of extreme wealth and the power that comes with close ties to political figures. As fortunes in the tech world continue to shift rapidly, Ellison’s story serves as a reminder of how innovation, wealth, and influence are deeply interconnected.

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1. What caused Larry Ellison to briefly become the world’s richest person?

  • A. He sold a large portion of Oracle’s shares.
  • B. Oracle’s stock prices increased significantly.
  • C. He invested heavily in Elon Musk’s companies.
  • D. He launched a new AI product.

2. How does Larry Ellison view artificial intelligence?

  • A. As a minor development in technology.
  • B. As a risky investment for Oracle.
  • C. As a revolution greater than electricity.
  • D. As a trend that will soon fade.

3. What is one concern some residents of Lanai have about Ellison’s ownership?

  • A. He has neglected the island’s development.
  • B. The island has become a place for the ultra-rich.
  • C. He plans to sell the island soon.
  • D. The farm he started harms the environment.

4. What does the article suggest about wealth in the tech industry?

  • A. It is stable and predictable.
  • B. It can change very quickly.
  • C. It depends only on political connections.
  • D. It is unrelated to technological innovation.

5. What does the word ‘volatile’ mean in the context of the first paragraph?

  • A. Unpredictable and likely to change.
  • B. Steady and secure.
  • C. Extremely dangerous.
  • D. Gradual and slow.