In a remarkable shift in the global wealth rankings, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has surpassed Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to claim the title of the world’s second-richest person. As reported by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Zuckerberg’s net worth has soared to $206.2 billion in 2024, eclipsing Bezos’s fortune of $205.1 billion.
This milestone follows a staggering 70 percent surge in Meta’s stock this year, driven by renewed investor confidence in the company’s AI-driven technologies. Zuckerberg’s personal wealth has skyrocketed by $78 billion in just 12 months.
A turnaround after challenges
Zuckerberg now ranks just behind Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who leads the list with a net worth exceeding $250 billion. The surge in Meta’s market value is largely attributed to the company’s substantial investments in artificial intelligence, which have significantly bolstered revenue and excited investors.
Notably, this success comes on the heels of a challenging 2022, during which Zuckerberg implemented aggressive cost-cutting measures, resulting in the layoff of 21,000 employees. A financial analyst commented, “This is a huge turnaround for the company,” emphasizing how those difficult decisions were pivotal in restoring investor confidence and streamlining operations.
Innovations driving investor confidence
Investor enthusiasm has also been fueled by Meta’s recent launch of its Orion AR glasses, which have garnered positive early reviews for their innovative features. Despite substantial investments in virtual and augmented reality technologies, Meta’s core advertising business remains robust, reassuring investors that its primary revenue streams are stable.
Current rankings of the world’s wealthiest
The latest rankings of the world’s richest individuals highlight the following:
- Elon Musk: $256 billion
- Mark Zuckerberg: $206.2 billion
- Jeff Bezos: $205.1 billion
- Bernard Arnault: $203 billion
- Warren Buffett: $121.7 billion
As Meta continues to innovate and adapt, Zuckerberg’s ascent reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where agility and foresight are paramount for maintaining investor trust and driving growth.
