Facts – Larry Ellison
Net Worth: $145.1 Billion
Forbes Ranking: #4
Name: Lawrence Joseph Ellison
Birth Date: August 17, 1944
Age: 79
Birth City: New York City
Birth Country: United States
Best Known For: Co-founding Oracle Corporation,
Industries: Technology, Software, Cloud Computing
Astrological Sign: Leo
Nationalities: American
Early Life and Education: Lawrence Joseph Ellison was born on August 17, 1944, in New York City, USA. His biological parents were an unwed couple, and he was raised by his aunt and uncle in Chicago. Ellison struggled in school due to dyslexia, a learning disorder, and had a rebellious streak. After his adoptive mother passed away, he moved to California to live with his adoptive father.
He attended several colleges including the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago but dropped out without completing a degree. Despite his lack of formal education, Ellison showed a keen interest in technology and computers from a young age.
Early Career: In the 1970s, Ellison worked various odd jobs, including at companies like Amdahl Corporation and Wells Fargo. His real breakthrough came in 1977 when he co-founded Software Development Laboratories (SDL) with a few colleagues. The company’s initial focus was on developing a relational database management system. Renamed Oracle Corporation, the company’s flagship product, Oracle Database, became a pioneer in the database industry.
Oracle’s Rise: Under Ellison’s leadership, Oracle’s innovative relational database technology gained popularity. The company pioneered the concept of commercial SQL-based databases, revolutionizing data management. Despite facing competition from IBM and other tech giants, Oracle managed to capture a significant market share. Ellison’s aggressive marketing strategies, willingness to challenge industry norms, and constant pursuit of innovation played a pivotal role in Oracle’s growth.
Focus on Acquisitions: Ellison was known for his appetite for acquisitions. Oracle acquired several companies under his leadership, expanding its product offerings and consolidating its position in the technology sector. Notable acquisitions included PeopleSoft, Sun Microsystems, and BEA Systems.
Challenges and Controversies: Ellison’s competitive nature often led to clashes with competitors and industry peers. His rivalry with Bill Gates of Microsoft was particularly well-known. Additionally, Oracle faced legal challenges and controversies related to software licensing and business practices.
Personal Ventures: Outside of Oracle, Ellison pursued various personal ventures. He developed a passion for yacht racing and founded Oracle Team USA, a sailing team that won the America’s Cup multiple times.
Real Estate and Island Ownership: One of Ellison’s notable acquisitions was the purchase of 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lanai in 2012. He invested in improving the island’s infrastructure and economy.
Cloud Computing and Legacy: In the later years of Ellison’s leadership at Oracle, he recognized the potential of cloud computing and shifted the company’s focus towards cloud-based services. This strategic move aimed to keep Oracle relevant in a rapidly changing technology landscape.
Retirement and Impact: In 2014, Ellison stepped down as Oracle’s CEO, passing the reins to other executives, but he remained involved as the company’s Chief Technology Officer and Chairman. His impact on the technology industry, particularly in the database realm, remains significant.
Please note that this biography provides an overview of Larry Ellison’s life and career. There are many more details and nuances that could be explored in a more comprehensive biography.