10 People Who Could Be the First Trillionaire

Imagine a time when being a billionaire was the pinnacle of financial achievement. This might probably change very soon, to the next phase, the trillionaire status. Back on September 29, 1916, that moment arrived with John D. Rockefeller’s groundbreaking milestone. 

The New York Times celebrated his ascent, declaring Rockefeller as the world’s first billionaire, thanks to the soaring value of Standard Oil. This historic achievement set a new standard in the world of wealth, one that would take more than a century to surpass.

Today, there might be a shift into the first trillionaire. With companies like Nvidia and Berkshire Hathaway reaching the $1 trillion mark, attention is now focused on individuals who could achieve this unprecedented level of wealth. 

According to a recent analysis by Informa Connect Academy, several key figures are leading the race. Here’s a look at the top people who are most likely to become the world’s first trillionaire.

Elon Musk

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is a leading candidate for becoming the world’s first trillionaire. Currently, the richest person globally with a net worth of $251 billion, Musk is expected to cross the trillion-dollar threshold by 2027.

Informa Connect Academy predicts that if Musk’s wealth continues to grow at an average annual rate of 110%, he will achieve this status within the next few years. Musk’s ventures, including SpaceX and Tesla, continue to thrive and expand, bolstering his position as a future trillionaire.

Gautam Adani

India’s Gautam Adani, the founder of the Adani Group conglomerate, is another strong contender. With a current annual growth rate of 123%, Adani is projected to reach trillionaire status by 2028. 

His diversified business empire, spanning energy, infrastructure, and logistics, contributes to his rapid accumulation of wealth. As his companies continue to expand, Adani’s path to becoming a trillionaire appears increasingly plausible.

Jensen Huang

Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, has seen his net worth soar from $3 billion to over $90 billion in just five years. With Nvidia’s stock experiencing remarkable growth, Huang is anticipated to join the trillionaire ranks by 2028. The report forecasts that Huang’s wealth will need to continue growing at an annual rate of 112% for this to happen. Given Nvidia’s pivotal role in the tech industry, Huang’s ascent to trillionaire status is highly anticipated.

Prajogo Pangestu

Prajogo Pangestu, the founder of Indonesia’s Barito Pacific, is also a notable contender. His current wealth growth rate of 136% positions him to become a trillionaire by 2028. Pangestu’s extensive interests in energy and mining have fueled his impressive wealth accumulation, making him a significant player in the race for the trillionaire title.

Bernard Arnault

LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault, who is currently the third-richest person in the world with just under $200 billion, is expected to become a trillionaire by 2030. With a wealth growth rate of 29%, Arnault’s dominance in the luxury goods sector continues to drive his financial success. As LVMH maintains its strong market position, Arnault’s trajectory towards trillionaire status remains on track.

Mark Zuckerberg

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is another top candidate. Currently, Zuckerberg is predicted to reach trillionaire status by 2030, with a projected annual growth rate of 36%. His role in shaping the digital landscape through Meta’s various platforms positions him well for significant future wealth increases.

Phil Knight

Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, is projected to become a trillionaire by 2030. With a current wealth growth rate of 8%, Knight’s financial ascent is slower compared to others on this list, but his substantial stake in Nike and its ongoing success could accelerate his path to a trillionaire status.

Mukesh Ambani

Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries, is another strong contender, with predictions suggesting he could achieve trillionaire status by 2033. His wealth growth rate of 28% reflects his influential role in India’s business landscape, particularly in energy, telecommunications, and retail.

Michael Dell

Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell is projected to become a trillionaire by 2033, with a forecasted annual growth rate of 31%. Dell’s success in the tech industry and strategic business decisions contribute to his potential rise to trillionaire status.

Steve Ballmer

Steve Ballmer, the former Microsoft CEO and current owner of the Los Angeles Clippers is anticipated to join the trillionaire ranks by 2034. With a wealth growth rate of 26%, Ballmer’s investments and business ventures position him well for future wealth expansion.