Photo: Reuters

Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, has made an extraordinary comeback nearly 48 years after founding the software company in 1977. Now in his 80s, Ellison’s wealth has surged to nearly $400 billion, placing him as the second-richest person in the world, just behind Elon Musk. His rise is fueled by major cloud computing deals and strategic investments in technology and media.

Early History and Oracle's Rise

Larry Ellison, born in 1944, co-founded Oracle in 1977. The company initially focused on relational database software, which helped businesses store and manage information efficiently. Over decades, Oracle grew into a global technology powerhouse, competing with other giants like Microsoft and IBM.

Ellison became known for his bold personality, flamboyant lifestyle, and visionary approach to technology. His leadership helped Oracle dominate enterprise software for decades. However, despite its early success, Oracle faced challenges in cloud computing, where competitors like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud gained a strong foothold.

A Major Comeback

In 2025, Oracle achieved remarkable growth, largely due to a historic deal with OpenAI. Oracle agreed to provide computing power for OpenAI for a five-year contract worth about $300 billion. This partnership made Oracle a major player in artificial intelligence infrastructure, signaling its return to prominence in technology.

The deal with OpenAI also drove up Oracle’s stock by nearly 36%, benefiting shareholders and increasing Ellison’s wealth. The move had ripple effects in the tech sector, boosting semiconductor companies like Nvidia and Broadcom, which provide essential hardware for AI computing.

Strategic Decisions in Technology

One of Ellison’s key strategies was to avoid building his own AI chips. Instead, Oracle partnered with Nvidia to provide AI infrastructure. This decision allowed Oracle to focus on software and cloud services while leveraging the best hardware available.

Oracle also secured high-profile clients like Meta, xAI (Elon Musk’s AI company), Zoom, and TikTok. These clients rely on Oracle for computing power, AI services, and cloud storage. While Oracle has become powerful again, experts note that dependence on a few key clients carries some risk if contracts change or competition increases.

Despite previous setbacks in the cloud market, Oracle’s modern cloud offerings have gained credibility. Its software now integrates AI tools that many companies need, allowing Oracle to compete with rivals it once lagged behind.

Influence in Media

Larry Ellison’s influence is not limited to technology. His family controls Paramount, one of the major media companies in the United States. Reports indicate that Paramount is considering a purchase of Warner Bros Discovery, a move that could reshape Hollywood’s media landscape.

Ellison’s son, David Ellison, is also playing a role in media. He has reportedly shifted CBS News toward a politically conservative approach, appointing figures like Kenneth Weinstein and potentially Bari Weiss to leadership roles. This shows that the Ellison family is expanding influence beyond technology into media and politics, reinforcing their position in American public life.

Personal Wealth and Lifestyle

Larry Ellison is well-known for his luxurious lifestyle. He owns multiple estates, including properties in California and Japan, a private island in Hawaii, and a significant collection of yachts. Despite his wealth, Ellison has always emphasized bold business moves and strategic investments, which have contributed more to his fortune than personal extravagance.

In 2025, his wealth reached almost $400 billion, a result of Oracle’s stock growth, the OpenAI deal, and his diversified investments in technology and media. This remarkable comeback highlights how strategic decisions can propel even older companies and founders to new heights.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence

AI has been a major factor in Ellison’s resurgence. With OpenAI and other clients, Oracle now provides essential infrastructure for AI computing, which is increasingly in demand worldwide. AI applications in business, healthcare, education, and entertainment require massive computational power, and Oracle’s position in this market ensures long-term growth.

Ellison’s foresight in investing in AI partnerships rather than trying to compete directly in hardware has proven wise. It allowed Oracle to focus on software, cloud services, and customer relationships, giving it a competitive advantage.

Lessons from Ellison’s Comeback

• Larry Ellison’s return to prominence offers several lessons for business leaders:
• Adaptation: Even after decades, companies and founders must adapt to changing technology trends. Ellison recognized the AI opportunity and acted decisively.
• Strategic Partnerships: Partnering with Nvidia instead of building hardware internally allowed Oracle to focus on its strengths.
• Diversification: Expanding into media and other sectors reduces dependence on a single market.
• Risk Management: While Oracle relies on major clients, careful planning and contracts have mitigated risk.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the comeback, challenges remain. Oracle’s high reliance on key clients and partnerships could pose risks if competitors lure them away. The AI cloud market is growing fast, and new players may emerge with innovative solutions.

In media, Paramount’s potential acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery may face regulatory scrutiny or integration challenges. Maintaining ethical practices and balancing influence in media and politics is crucial to avoid public criticism.

Global Significance

Ellison’s resurgence is significant not just for the United States but globally. Oracle is now a major AI infrastructure provider, and its success shows how traditional tech companies can reinvent themselves. Investors, tech companies, and governments around the world watch Oracle’s strategy closely as AI becomes central to business and society.

This success also demonstrates the importance of long-term vision. Ellison founded Oracle in 1977, and nearly 48 years later, he remains a central figure in the tech world. Few business leaders maintain relevance for such a long time while continuing to grow their influence and wealth.

Larry Ellison’s story is a remarkable comeback. From co-founding Oracle in 1977 to becoming the second-richest person in the world in 2025, he has shown how strategic decisions, partnerships, and adaptability can lead to lasting success.

His focus on AI, cloud computing, and media expansion has revitalized Oracle and solidified his place as a major influence in technology and media. Despite challenges, his approach demonstrates that with vision, risk-taking, and smart investments, even decades-old companies can achieve new heights.

Ellison’s return to prominence is a lesson for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide: success is possible at any age when innovation, strategy, and opportunity align.