2017’s Richest Person and How They Made Their Money: REVEALED!

9. Larry Ellison, 72 – Net Worth: $45.3 billion

Ellison’s huge fortune comes from his corporation, Oracle, which was created back in the 70s and was hired to build systems for the CIA. The codename for the database-management system inside the CIA was Oracle, which is where Ellison got the name – his company last year generated $37 billion in revenue. Despite the huge revenues, Ellison famously dropped his company salary from $1 million to $1, and whilst this sounds like a very noble move, he’s actually taking around $60 million a year through stock rewards. Smooth!

One of the most generous philanthropists in the world, Ellison is an avid giver to charity, and has even signed up to Warren Buffett and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge, where members agree to give away at least half of their fortunes throughout their lifetimes. On top of that, Ellison also gives generously to various conservations and wildlife charities, as well as charities fighting disease across the world.