Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle and a potential TikTok powerhouse, is currently worth around $393 billion, securing the position of the second-richest individual worldwide in 2025, just behind Elon Musk. This exponential growth in his fortune has been largely fueled by soaring Oracle stocks and a substantial investment in Tesla.
In 2010, Ellison made headlines by committing to give away a staggering 95% of his wealth as part of the Giving Pledge. However, since then, he’s shifted away from conventional nonprofit strategies, choosing instead to manage his philanthropic efforts according to his vision. He’s established the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), a for-profit philanthropic body at The University of Oxford.
Recently, though, EIT experienced turmoil due to changes in its leadership, as mentioned in a report from The New York Times. In 2024, after hiring scientist John Bell to lead the research efforts, Ellison then decided to bring in Santa Ono, the former president of the University of Michigan, to collaborate with Bell. Just days later, Bell chose to leave what he deemed a “very challenging project.”
The report indicates there are underlying issues regarding “the best way to commercialize Mr. Ellison’s scientific research” and whether EIT can trust Ellison to keep his financial promises.
Here’s a basic rundown on Ellison’s intentions regarding his significant wealth and how he plans to distribute it.
Net Worth Highlights (2025)
- Estimated at $393 billion.
- The majority of his wealth comes from a 41% stake in Oracle and a considerable interest in Tesla.
Philanthropy Focus and Giving Plans
- His primary philanthropic efforts are concentrated on EIT, addressing global challenges like healthcare, food insecurity, climate change, and AI, with a new $1.3 billion campus opening soon in Oxford.
- In the past, Ellison has made significant contributions to various research facilities, most notably a $200 million donation to USC for a cancer research center and approximately $1 billion to the now-closed Ellison Medical Foundation aimed at medical research.
Disbursed Donations and Future Commitments
- Though his direct charitable contributions are lower than some of his peers, his pledges related to the Giving Pledge and EIT amount to billions.
- Notable expenses include:
- $200 million to USC for cancer research.
- Over $1 billion toward aging and disease prevention through the Ellison Medical Foundation before it concluded.
- $1.3 billion invested in the Oxford Ellison Institute campus expected to open by 2027.
- He remains steadfast in directing nearly all of his wealth toward charitable initiatives, insisting they are done according to his own guidelines and schedules.
While Ellison’s net worth peaks in 2025 and his commitment to philanthropy is significant, his approach is distinctive, emphasizing large projects like the Ellison Institute over broader public contributions.
Originally reported onFortune.com
