Larry Ellison was born on August 17, 1944, in New York City. At nine months old, he contracted pneumonia, leading his unmarried mother to send him to Chicago to be raised by her aunt and uncle, Lillian and Louis Ellison.
He grew up in a modest South Side apartment, unaware of his adoption until his teenage years. Ellison briefly attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and later the University of Chicago but did not complete a degree at either institution.
Founding Oracle Corporation
In 1977, after working various programming jobs, Ellison co-founded Software Development Laboratories (SDL) with partners Bob Miner and Ed Oates. Inspired by a research paper on relational database systems authored by Edgar F. Codd, they sought to develop a commercial product based on this innovative approach to data management. This endeavor led to the creation of Oracle, the first commercially viable relational database, which eventually became the company’s namesake. Under Ellison’s leadership as CEO, Oracle Corporation grew exponentially, becoming a dominant force in the software industry.
Leadership and Expansion
Larry Ellison served as Oracle’s CEO from its founding in 1977 until 2014, overseeing its evolution from a small startup to a multinational corporation. He played a pivotal role in diversifying Oracle’s product offerings beyond databases to include cloud computing, enterprise software, and hardware systems through strategic acquisitions and internal development. In 2014, Ellison stepped down as CEO but continued to influence the company’s direction as Executive Chairman and Chief Technology Officer.
Personal Ventures and Philanthropy
Beyond Oracle, Ellison is known for his adventurous lifestyle and philanthropic efforts. He is an avid yachtsman, having owned several high-performance sailing vessels and sponsored successful America’s Cup teams. In 2012, he purchased 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, aiming to transform it into a sustainable community. Ellison has also made significant charitable contributions, including substantial donations to educational and medical research institutions.
Recent Developments
As of September 2024, Ellison’s net worth was estimated at $203.9 billion, positioning him as the third-richest person globally. This surge in wealth is largely attributed to the rising value of Oracle’s shares, driven by the company’s advancements in cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Ellison also holds a significant stake in Tesla, further contributing to his financial portfolio.
Larry Ellison’s journey from a modest upbringing to becoming a tech industry titan exemplifies his relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. His contributions have not only shaped Oracle Corporation but have also left an indelible mark on the broader technology landscape.