Larry Ellison: Introduction
Larry Ellison, co-founder and former CEO of Oracle Corporation, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in technology and entrepreneurship. With a staggering net worth exceeding $150 billion, Ellison’s impact on the tech industry is undeniable. However, his recent ventures have extended beyond Oracle and into the political and AI realms. In particular, his relationship with President Donald Trump and his potential role in the TikTok acquisition and the Stargate AI infrastructure initiative has garnered significant attention. Here’s a comprehensive look at Larry Ellison’s life, career, and the latest news that connects him with President Donald Trump, TikTok, and the cutting-edge Stargate project.
Larry Ellison: Early Life and Education
Born on August 17, 1944, in New York City, Larry Ellison had a tumultuous early life. Ellison grew up in Chicago, raised by his aunt and uncle after his mother abandoned him. Although he enrolled at the University of Illinois and later transferred to the University of Chicago, he dropped out before completing his degree. This decision marked the beginning of his unconventional path to success. Ellison moved to Silicon Valley, where his entrepreneurial spirit would later change the face of the tech industry.
Larry Ellison: Founding Oracle and Revolutionizing the Tech Industry
In 1977, Ellison co-founded Software Development Laboratories (later renamed Oracle Corporation) with the vision of creating a relational database management system (RDBMS). His technology revolutionized the way businesses stored, accessed, and processed data. Oracle’s success was swift, and by the 1990s, it had become the largest database software company in the world. Under Ellison’s leadership, Oracle expanded globally and acquired several companies, solidifying its dominance in enterprise software and cloud computing.
Ellison served as Oracle’s CEO until 2014, and he continues to hold the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) today, overseeing technological advancements that keep Oracle at the forefront of innovation.
Larry Ellison: Net Worth and Rank
As of 2025, Larry Ellison’s net worth is estimated to exceed $150 billion, making him one of the richest people in the world. Much of his wealth comes from Oracle, but he has also made lucrative investments in companies like Tesla and high-value real estate. Ellison is regularly ranked among the top 10 wealthiest individuals globally by Forbes.
Larry Ellison: Personal Life; Family, Spouse, and Children
Ellison’s personal life has often been as high-profile as his business endeavors. He has been married and divorced multiple times, most recently to singer Nicole Scherzinger, though they parted ways in 2019. Ellison has two children—David and Megan Ellison—both of whom are successful film producers. Despite the media attention surrounding his relationships, Ellison tends to keep his private life relatively low-key.
Larry Ellison and Donald Trump: Business Partnership and TikTok Acquisition
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. One of his first moves was to address the controversial issue surrounding TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned social media platform. After taking office, Trump revealed his openness to allowing prominent U.S. entrepreneurs such as Larry Ellison and Elon Musk to purchase TikTok outright or collaborate to acquire the company.
This decision came after months of political pressure over national security concerns related to TikTok’s data collection practices. Trump’s interest in involving tech moguls like Ellison and Musk—both of whom have the financial power and influence to handle such a high-stakes acquisition—highlighted the ongoing geopolitical struggle over digital platforms. Although no formal agreement has yet been reached, the discussions surrounding the sale of TikTok reflect Trump’s willingness to leverage private sector power to address global tech concerns.
Stargate Project: Trump, Ellison, and the AI-Infrastructure Investment
In a further development following his inauguration, President Trump unveiled the Stargate project—an ambitious AI infrastructure initiative aimed at modernizing the United States’ technological infrastructure. The project focuses on integrating artificial intelligence across critical sectors such as government, defense, and private industry.
Larry Ellison, known for his forward-thinking in technology and infrastructure, was tapped to play a significant role in this initiative. Stargate aims to use AI to optimize data management, security, and communications, potentially revolutionizing how both the government and businesses operate in the digital age. In addition to Ellison, other influential tech leaders are expected to be involved, with early discussions suggesting collaboration with major tech companies, research institutions, and government agencies.
This initiative is seen as part of Trump’s broader effort to position the United States as a global leader in AI and infrastructure, and Ellison’s expertise in cloud computing and AI makes him a key figure in realizing its vision. The Stargate project has already attracted significant attention for its potential to shape the future of U.S. technology policy and international competitiveness.
Larry Ellison: Yacht and Lifestyle
Ellison’s wealth is not just reflected in his business ventures but also his lavish lifestyle. He is the proud owner of Rising Sun, a 454-foot luxury yacht, one of the largest in the world, valued at over $200 million. The yacht is a symbol of Ellison’s extraordinary wealth and passion for luxury, and it offers a glimpse into his opulent lifestyle. Beyond his yacht, Ellison owns multiple multimillion-dollar properties, including a lavish estate in Malibu and a sprawling 98-acre property on the Hawaiian island of Lanai, which he purchased in 2012.
Larry Ellison: Salary and Business Ventures
Despite stepping down as CEO of Oracle in 2014, Larry Ellison continues to shape the company’s direction as CTO. His reported salary at Oracle is modest, around $1 billion per year. However, his wealth comes primarily from his holdings in Oracle stock and investments in various tech ventures, including Tesla. Ellison’s business ventures continue to thrive, and his role in shaping the future of the tech industry is far from over.
Conclusion
Larry Ellison’s legacy is built upon his transformative role in the tech industry, particularly through Oracle. However, his influence now extends into the political and AI sectors, especially through his ties to Donald Trump and his involvement in the Stargate project. The potential acquisition of TikTok, alongside his work on Stargate, showcases Ellison’s expanding role as both a business mogul and a key player in shaping the future of U.S. tech infrastructure.
With his vast wealth, strategic investments, and involvement in groundbreaking projects, Ellison’s impact will continue to resonate across industries and governments alike. As the world watches his next moves, one thing is clear: Larry Ellison’s legacy is far from finished.
