Top 10 Richest People In The World (2017)

Hey guys! Ever wondered who were the top dogs back in 2017 when it came to net worth? Well, buckle up because we're diving into the list of the top 10 richest people in the world in 2017. These titans of industry, tech wizards, and investment gurus controlled unimaginable wealth and shaped the global economy. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see who made the cut!

1. Bill Gates

Ah, Bill Gates, a name synonymous with personal computing. In 2017, Bill Gates held the top spot with a net worth of around $86 billion. Yes, you read that right! The co-founder of Microsoft has been a mainstay on the richest people lists for decades. His journey from a Harvard dropout to a tech mogul is legendary. Gates revolutionized the way we use computers, and Microsoft became a household name under his leadership.

But it’s not just about the billions; Bill Gates is also known for his philanthropic efforts. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the largest private charitable foundations globally, tackles issues like global health, poverty, and education. His transition from running a tech empire to focusing on philanthropy shows a commitment to making the world a better place. Beyond his business acumen, Gates has authored books and frequently shares his insights on technology, economics, and global challenges. His ability to stay relevant and influential across different sectors is a testament to his enduring impact. In 2017, his continuous efforts in philanthropy further cemented his image as a leader who cares about more than just the bottom line. Gates' strategic investments and forward-thinking approach kept him at the top, proving that innovation and social responsibility can go hand in hand. So, while his wealth is staggering, his dedication to solving global problems makes him a unique figure in the world of the ultra-rich.

2. Warren Buffett

Next up, we have the Oracle of Omaha himself, Warren Buffett. In 2017, Buffett's net worth was approximately $75.6 billion. This investment guru has built his fortune through Berkshire Hathaway, a conglomerate holding company with interests in everything from insurance to consumer goods. Buffett's investment philosophy is simple: invest in companies with good management, sound business models, and long-term growth potential. His patient approach and value investing principles have made him a legend in the financial world.

Buffett's folksy demeanor and straightforward advice have endeared him to investors of all levels. He's known for his annual letters to shareholders, which are filled with wisdom and insights on the economy and the markets. Beyond his investment prowess, Buffett is also a notable philanthropist. He has pledged to give away the vast majority of his wealth to charitable causes, primarily through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His commitment to giving back is a testament to his belief in using wealth for the greater good. Buffett’s simple lifestyle, despite his immense wealth, further adds to his appeal. He still lives in the same house he bought in the 1950s and is often seen enjoying a simple meal at McDonald's. This down-to-earth attitude, combined with his extraordinary investment success, makes him an iconic figure. In 2017, his steady hand and long-term vision continued to guide Berkshire Hathaway, solidifying his position as one of the world's wealthiest and most respected individuals. Buffett's legacy is not just about accumulating wealth but also about using it responsibly and inspiring others to do the same.

3. Jeff Bezos

Coming in third is Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. Back in 2017, Bezos had a net worth of around $72.8 billion. Talk about an online empire! Bezos transformed the retail landscape with Amazon, turning it from an online bookstore into the everything store we know today. His relentless focus on customer satisfaction and innovation has been key to Amazon's success. Bezos's vision extends beyond e-commerce; he also founded Blue Origin, a space exploration company, and owns The Washington Post. His diverse interests and ambitious projects reflect his drive to push boundaries and explore new frontiers.

Bezos's leadership style is characterized by a willingness to take risks and a long-term perspective. He famously tells his employees to operate as if they're still a small startup, encouraging them to be nimble and innovative. Amazon's expansion into cloud computing with Amazon Web Services (AWS) has been a major driver of its growth, demonstrating Bezos's ability to anticipate and capitalize on emerging trends. Beyond his business ventures, Bezos has also focused on philanthropy, launching initiatives to address homelessness and education. His approach to problem-solving is data-driven and analytical, reflecting his background in engineering. In 2017, Amazon's continued dominance in e-commerce and the growing success of AWS propelled Bezos up the ranks of the world's wealthiest people. His relentless pursuit of innovation and customer-centric approach have made him a transformative figure in the business world. Bezos's ability to disrupt industries and create new markets has solidified his legacy as one of the most influential entrepreneurs of our time.

4. Amancio Ortega

The Spanish fashion magnate, Amancio Ortega, secured the fourth spot with a net worth of approximately $71.3 billion in 2017. He’s the man behind Zara! Ortega built his fortune through Inditex, the parent company of Zara, one of the world's largest fashion retailers. His business model focuses on fast fashion, quickly adapting to changing trends and getting new styles into stores in record time. Ortega's success lies in his efficient supply chain and his ability to respond to customer demand rapidly. He keeps a low profile and is known for his hands-on approach to managing his business. Ortega's story is one of humble beginnings; he started as a shop assistant before building his fashion empire.

Ortega's business philosophy emphasizes simplicity and efficiency. He avoids advertising and relies on the prime locations of his Zara stores to attract customers. His approach to fashion is democratic, offering stylish clothing at affordable prices. Inditex's global presence is a testament to Ortega's vision and strategic execution. Beyond his business success, Ortega is known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting various social and charitable causes. His understated demeanor and focus on operational excellence have made him a respected figure in the business world. In 2017, Zara's continued popularity and Inditex's strong financial performance solidified Ortega's position as one of the world's wealthiest individuals. His ability to deliver stylish and affordable fashion to a global audience has made him a transformative figure in the retail industry. Ortega's legacy is not just about building a fashion empire but also about revolutionizing the way clothing is designed, produced, and distributed.

5. Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Zuckerberg, the face of Facebook, held the fifth position with a net worth of around $56 billion in 2017. The social media king! Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook while at Harvard University, and it quickly became the world's largest social network. His vision of connecting people around the globe has transformed the way we communicate and share information. Zuckerberg's leadership has been instrumental in Facebook's growth and evolution. He has navigated the company through numerous challenges, including privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny. Zuckerberg is known for his focus on innovation and his commitment to building new features and products for Facebook's users.

Zuckerberg's approach to leadership is characterized by a focus on long-term goals and a willingness to take risks. He has made significant investments in virtual reality and artificial intelligence, betting that these technologies will play a major role in the future of communication and entertainment. Beyond his business ventures, Zuckerberg is also a philanthropist, along with his wife, Priscilla Chan, he has launched the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which focuses on education, science, and justice reform. His commitment to using technology to solve social problems is a reflection of his belief in the power of innovation to make the world a better place. In 2017, Facebook's continued growth and its expanding reach solidified Zuckerberg's position as one of the world's wealthiest and most influential individuals. His ability to connect billions of people around the globe has made him a transformative figure in the digital age. Zuckerberg's legacy is not just about building a social media empire but also about using technology to address some of the world's most pressing challenges.

6. Carlos Slim Helú

Carlos Slim Helú and his family from Mexico came in sixth with a net worth of about $54.5 billion in 2017. The telecom titan! Slim has made his money through his big stake in América Móvil, which is Latin America's biggest mobile telecom company. América Móvil gives wireless services to lots of people in Latin America. Slim is seen as a really smart business person who's good at spotting chances and making wise investments. Beyond telecom, he also has interests in building, retail, and money.

Slim is also known for giving back and helping others through his charity work. He has backed projects in education, health, and cultural preservation. His ideas on business stress the need to make jobs, help society grow, and compete on a world level. Slim's business style is about making strong partnerships and supporting new ideas. In 2017, América Móvil was still a strong force in Latin America's telecom market, which helped keep Slim as one of the richest people in the world. His skill at growing businesses and helping the community shows that he's committed to making a lasting mark on the world.

7. Larry Ellison

Larry Ellison, the main person at Oracle, was seventh with about $52.2 billion in 2017. The tech visionary! Ellison helped start Oracle, which became a huge company for business software and cloud services. His smart ideas and bold way of doing things have made Oracle a key player in the tech world. Ellison is known for being very competitive and always pushing the limits of what's possible in tech. He's also interested in things like sailing and design, showing he's got many different talents.

Ellison's way of leading is about pushing hard for new ideas and grabbing new chances. He's known for spotting chances before others do and turning them into big wins for Oracle. Besides his work at Oracle, Ellison is also involved in giving to charity, especially for health and education causes. His commitment to using tech to solve big problems shows he wants to make a real difference. In 2017, Oracle kept growing in the cloud computing field, which helped keep Ellison among the world's richest people. His skill at leading Oracle and his dedication to helping others show that he's a major figure in both business and charity.

8. Charles Koch

Charles Koch, part of the famous Koch brothers, was eighth with about $48.3 billion in 2017. The industrial giant! Koch and his family own Koch Industries, which is a huge company with interests in lots of different things like energy, chemicals, and materials. Koch is known for his focus on free markets and small government. His ideas have had a big impact on political talks in the United States. Koch is also a supporter of different groups that push for his economic and political beliefs.

Koch's business style is about growing by being innovative and following market rules. He thinks companies should be free to compete and come up with new ideas without government getting in the way. Besides his business work, Koch is also interested in giving to charity, especially for education and research. His support for different think tanks and academic centers shows that he wants to encourage new ideas and problem-solving. In 2017, Koch Industries kept being a big player in the industrial world, which helped keep Koch as one of the richest people on the planet. His strong beliefs and dedication to free markets have made him a major figure in both business and politics.

9. David Koch

David Koch, also one of the Koch brothers, shared the ninth spot with Charles, also holding about $48.3 billion in 2017. Another industrial powerhouse! Like Charles, David played a significant role in Koch Industries' success. His contributions to the company and his involvement in philanthropic activities mirrored those of his brother. David was known for his support of various causes, including medical research and arts organizations. His dedication to these areas reflected his belief in giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that improve people's lives.

David's approach to business and philanthropy was characterized by a commitment to innovation and a desire to make a positive impact on society. His involvement in Koch Industries helped drive the company's growth and diversification, while his philanthropic efforts supported important research and cultural endeavors. David's legacy is one of business success and a dedication to using his wealth to benefit others. In 2017, his continued involvement in Koch Industries and his philanthropic activities solidified his position as one of the world's wealthiest and most influential individuals. His contributions to both the business world and the community at large have left a lasting mark.

10. Michael Bloomberg

Rounding out our list is Michael Bloomberg, with a net worth of approximately $47.5 billion in 2017. The media mogul and former mayor! Bloomberg made his fortune through Bloomberg L.P., a financial information and media company. His innovative approach to providing real-time financial data revolutionized the industry. Bloomberg also served as the Mayor of New York City for three terms, during which he implemented numerous policies focused on public health, education, and environmental sustainability. His leadership in both business and politics has made him a prominent figure on the global stage.

Bloomberg's business acumen is characterized by a focus on innovation and a commitment to providing high-quality information. His leadership as mayor was marked by a data-driven approach to problem-solving and a willingness to take on tough challenges. Beyond his business and political achievements, Bloomberg is also a philanthropist, supporting various causes through Bloomberg Philanthropies. His commitment to addressing issues such as climate change, public health, and education reflects his desire to make a positive impact on the world. In 2017, Bloomberg's continued success in the media industry and his philanthropic efforts solidified his position as one of the world's wealthiest and most influential individuals. His ability to excel in both the business and political arenas has made him a transformative figure in modern society.

So there you have it, folks! The top 10 richest people in the world in 2017. These individuals have not only amassed incredible wealth but have also shaped industries, influenced economies, and contributed to society in various ways. It's a fascinating glimpse into the world of the ultra-rich and the impact they have on our world. Who knows what the list will look like in the years to come!