Lawrence Joseph Ellison, born on August 17, 1944, in New York City, is a trailblazing American entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is best known as the co-founder of Oracle Corporation, a multinational technology company specializing in database software, cloud computing, and enterprise solutions. Under Ellison’s leadership as CEO from 1977 to 2014, Oracle transformed into a global leader in the tech industry, acquiring numerous companies and advancing its market dominance.
Ellison remains a central figure in Oracle as its Executive Chairman and Chief Technology Officer, focusing on strategic innovation in cloud computing and artificial intelligence. As of November 2024, his net worth is estimated between $208 billion (Bloomberg Billionaires Index) and $237 billion (Forbes), ranking him among the world’s wealthiest individuals.
Beyond business, Ellison is a dedicated philanthropist, contributing billions to medical research, education, and environmental sustainability through the Lawrence Ellison Foundation. Additionally, he owns 98% of the Hawaiian island Lānaʻi, where he is leading sustainable development projects.
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| Born | Lawrence Joseph Ellison August,17,1944 |
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| Occupations | Businessman ,investor |
| Title | Co- founder, Executive chairman and CTO of Oracle Corporation |
| Spouses | Adda Quinn (m. 1967; div. 1974) Nancy Wheeler Jenkins (m. 1977; div. 1978) Barbara Boothe (m. 1983; div. 1986) Melanie Craft (m. 2003; div. 2010) Nikita Kahn (div. 2020) Jolin (Keren) Zhu (m. 2023) |
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Early Life
Ellison was born to Florence Spellman, a single Jewish mother, and an Italian-American pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps. At nine months old, after contracting pneumonia, Ellison was placed in the care of his mother’s aunt and uncle, Lillian and Louis Ellison, who adopted him.
Raised in Chicago’s South Shore, a middle-class neighborhood, Ellison experienced a mixed childhood. His adoptive mother was warm and loving, while his adoptive father, who lost his real estate fortune during the Great Depression, was stern and unsupportive. Ellison's last name honors Ellis Island, his adoptive father's entry point into the United States.
Although raised in a Reform Jewish household, Ellison rejected traditional religious practices, stating that he found religious narratives fascinating but lacked faith in their literal truth.
Education
Ellison attended South Shore High School in Chicago and later enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a pre-med student. He excelled academically, earning recognition as the university’s scientific student of the year, but withdrew after his sophomore year following the death of his adoptive mother.
In 1966, Ellison briefly attended the University of Chicago, where he studied physics and mathematics for one term and was introduced to computer design. This exposure ignited his interest in technology, prompting him to move to California, where he began working as a computer programmer.
Early Career
In California, Ellison worked for several technology companies, including:
- Ampex Corporation: Here, Ellison contributed to a project that laid the groundwork for his future innovations in database management.
- Amdahl Corporation: Worked on the development of mainframe systems.
During this period, Ellison was inspired by Edgar F. Codd’s relational database theory, which later became the foundation for Oracle.
Founding Oracle Corporation
In 1977, Ellison, along with Robert Miner and Ed Oates, founded Software Development Laboratories (SDL)
with an initial investment of $2,000. The company was renamed Relational Software Inc. and later became Oracle Corporation, named after a project Ellison worked on for the CIA.
Key milestones in Oracle’s history include:
- 1983: Release of Oracle Version 3, the first database software compatible with multiple systems.
- 1986: Oracle’s IPO raised $31.5 million.
- 1990s: Survived near bankruptcy by adopting aggressive marketing and expanding its product portfolio.
- 2000s: Diversified into cloud computing, enterprise software, and hardware solutions through acquisitions, including PeopleSoft, Siebel Systems, and Sun Microsystems.
Ellison served as Oracle’s CEO until 2014, when he transitioned to his current roles as Executive Chairman and Chief Technology Officer.
Wealth and Investments
Ellison's vast fortune, estimated at over $200 billion, comes primarily from his Oracle shares and investments in other ventures, including Tesla. He joined Tesla's board of directors in 2018 and is a major shareholder.
Philanthropy
Ellison has pledged billions of dollars to charitable causes through the Lawrence Ellison Foundation, focusing on:
- Medical research: Supporting projects aimed at combating diseases and advancing healthcare.
- Education: Funding scholarships and educational institutions.
- Environmental sustainability: Developing renewable energy projects and eco-friendly initiatives.
Ownership of Lānaʻi
In 2012, Ellison purchased 98% of the Hawaiian island Lānaʻi for $300 million. His vision for the island includes:
- Promoting sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.
- Transforming Lānaʻi into a luxury tourist destination.
- Preserving the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Personal Interests and Sailing
Ellison is an avid yachtsman and competitive sailor. He sponsored Oracle Team USA, which won multiple America’s Cup championships. He also enjoys aviation and owns a collection of private jets and luxury properties worldwide.
Recognition and Legacy
Ellison is celebrated as one of the most innovative and influential entrepreneurs in history. His contributions to the tech industry have redefined enterprise software, cloud computing, and database management.
Ellison’s relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with his philanthropic efforts and vision for sustainability, ensures his enduring legacy in both technology and global development.
References
- Ian (2024) Larry Ellison’s Family & Personal Life, Pressfarm. Available at: https://press.farm/larry-ellisons-family-personal-life/ (Accessed: 03 January 2025).
- (No date) Bizjournals.com. Available at: https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2019/10/14/oracle-ceo-role-candidates-ellison.html (Accessed: 03 January 2025).
- (No date) Bizjournals.com. Available at: https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2019/10/14/oracle-ceo-role-candidates-ellison.html (Accessed: 03 January 2025).
- Good return (no date) Larry Ellison: Larry Ellison Net Worth, biography, age, spouse, children & more, Goodreturn. Available at: https://www.goodreturns.in/larry-ellison-net-worth-and-biography-blnr8.html (Accessed: 03 January 2025).
- David Ellison’s journey from Trust Fund Kid to media mogul vying to buy Paramount (2024) Los Angeles Times. Available at: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-04-22/david-ellison-skydance-media-paramount-larry-ellison (Accessed: 03 January 2025).