Larry Ellison

Lawrence Joseph Ellison or Larry Ellison, born on August 17, 1944, in New York City, is the co-founder, executive chairman, and chief technology officer (CTO) of Oracle Corporation, one of the world's largest software companies. Ellison led Oracle as CEO from 1977 to 2014, steering it into global prominence. He closed Project Ronin, a cancer care-focused startup. He also stepped down from Tesla’s board in 2022 but retained a minority stake.

As of December 2024, Larry Ellison is the third wealthiest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of $221.6 billion, according to Forbes. He also owns 98% of L?na?i, a Hawaiian island he purchased in 2012.

Ellison's career began in the technology sector in the 1970s. Inspired by Edgar F. Codd's research on relational databases, he co-founded Software Development Laboratories in 1977, later renamed Oracle. Oracle grew rapidly, dominating the database management industry and acquiring numerous companies, including Sun Microsystems in 2010 and Cerner in 2021. Today, Oracle is a leader in cloud computing and enterprise software.

Larry Ellison has made significant philanthropic contributions. He donated $200 million to establish the Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine at USC. Recently, the institute expanded with a new campus in Oxford, focusing on scholarships and cancer research. Ellison has also been involved in sports, funding SailGP, an international sailing competition.

Larry Ellison is a licensed pilot and has owned several aircraft, including a Gulfstream V. He made headlines for his legal disputes over airport regulations and ownership of luxury yachts. He also owns properties in California, Florida, and Hawaii. 

Ellison studied at the University of Illinois and later at the University of Chicago but did not complete a degree. His educational background introduced him to computer design, shaping his career in technology.

Lawrence Joseph Ellison was born on August 17, 1944, in New York City to Florence Spellman, an unwed Jewish mother. His biological father was an Italian-American United States Army Air Corps pilot. After contracting pneumonia at nine months old, Lawrence was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Lillian and Louis Ellison, and grew up in Chicago's South Shore neighbourhood. Raised in a Reform Jewish household, he questioned religious practices early in life and chose not to have a bar mitzvah.

Lawrence studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a pre-med student and was named Science Student of the Year but left after his adoptive mother passed away. He later attended the University of Chicago for one term, studying physics and mathematics, and first encountered computer design. In 1966, he moved to California and began his career as a programmer.

In 1977, Lawrence co-founded Software Development Laboratories (later renamed Oracle) with an investment of $2,000. He was inspired by Edgar F. Codd’s research on relational database systems. Oracle became the first company to commercialise relational database software, and its flagship Oracle Database gained widespread adoption. Over the years, the company expanded into enterprise software and cloud computing, acquiring Sun Microsystems in 2010 and Cerner in 2021.

Lawrence served as CEO of Oracle until 2014 when he transitioned to executive chairman and chief technology officer. He played a pivotal role in transforming Oracle into a global leader in technology. His wealth and influence also extended to acquisitions outside technology, such as purchasing 98% of the Hawaiian island in 2012.

A licensed pilot and yachting enthusiast, Lawrence established the SailGP international sailing series. He has also been involved in philanthropy, donating $200 million to the University of Southern California to establish the Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine.

In addition to his work in technology, Lawrence authored Softwar: An Intimate Portrait of Larry Ellison and Oracle in 2004. He also served on Tesla's board from 2018 to 2022, maintaining a minority stake in the company.

Currently, Lawrence oversees Oracle’s technological advancements and strategic initiatives, with a focus on artificial intelligence and cloud services. As of 2024, he is one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, with a net worth exceeding $220 billion.

Larry Ellison envisions a future where technology drives efficiency, innovation, and progress across industries. His work focuses on advancing cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and database systems to enable businesses to operate more effectively. He believes in creating technology solutions that empower organisations to analyse and utilise data for better decision-making. Through Oracle, he aims to lead in technological innovation while addressing global challenges. Ellison is also committed to philanthropy, supporting medical research and education. His vision combines technological advancement with social impact, aiming to create a more connected and innovative world.

Larry Ellison has received significant recognition for his contributions to technology, business, and philanthropy. In 2024, he was listed as the third wealthiest person in the world by Forbes and included in Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World." He has been inducted into the Bay Area Business Hall of Fame and received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement. His work in advancing cloud computing and AI through Oracle has been widely acknowledged. Ellison also founded the Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, which expanded with a new campus in Oxford in 2023.