Larry Ellison is an American technology entrepreneur, investor, and the co-founder, Executive Chairman, and Chief Technology Officer of Oracle Corporation. He founded Oracle in 1977 and helped turn database software into a major global technology business. Today, Oracle provides database software, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise applications used by organizations around the world.
Who Is Larry Ellison?
Larry Ellison is best known for building Oracle, one of the world's major enterprise technology companies.
He co-founded the company in 1977 with Bob Miner and Ed Oates. Oracle initially focused on database software and later expanded into enterprise applications, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and other business technologies.
Ellison served as Oracle's CEO until September 2014. He then became Executive Chairman and Chief Technology Officer, positions he continues to hold in 2026.
Early Life and Education
Larry Ellison was born on August 17, 1944, in New York City. He was raised in Chicago by his aunt and uncle after being adopted.
Ellison attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and later the University of Chicago, but he did not complete a degree at either institution.
His early interest in mathematics, science, and technology eventually led him toward computer programming.
Starting His Technology Career
Before founding Oracle, Ellison worked at several technology companies.
One of his early positions was at Ampex, where he worked on database-related projects. During this period, he became interested in the ideas behind relational databases.
The work eventually inspired him to build a company focused on commercial database software.
Founding Oracle
In 1977, Larry Ellison co-founded a company originally known as Software Development Laboratories.
The company later became Relational Software and eventually Oracle Systems Corporation.
Oracle's database technology became its central product and helped businesses organize, store, and access large amounts of information.
The company's growth coincided with the increasing use of computers by banks, governments, retailers, and large corporations.
Oracle's Global Growth
Oracle expanded from database software into a much broader enterprise technology company.
Over the years, it developed and acquired technologies covering:
- Database management
- Cloud computing
- Enterprise applications
- Cybersecurity
- Business analytics
- Healthcare technology
- Infrastructure
- Artificial intelligence
Oracle's cloud business has become an increasingly important part of the company's strategy as businesses move applications and data from traditional data centers to cloud infrastructure.
Larry Ellison and Cloud Computing
Oracle's modern business extends far beyond its original database products.
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure provides computing, storage, networking, and other services to businesses. The company also provides enterprise applications for areas such as finance, human resources, supply chain management, and customer experience.
Ellison has remained closely involved in Oracle's technology strategy as CTO.
Larry Ellison Net Worth
Larry Ellison is consistently ranked among the world's wealthiest technology entrepreneurs.
A large portion of his wealth is connected to his ownership of Oracle stock and other investments. Because public company valuations change continuously, estimates of his net worth can change significantly over time.
For this reason, a biography should treat net-worth figures as estimates rather than fixed facts.
Family and Personal Life
Larry Ellison has been married several times and has children.
He generally maintains a high-profile lifestyle and has interests outside technology, including sailing, aviation, and sports. Oracle's official biography notes that he races sailboats, flies planes, plays tennis, and plays guitar.
Major Achievements
- Co-founded Oracle in 1977.
- Helped popularize relational database software.
- Built Oracle into a global enterprise technology company.
- Served as Oracle CEO until 2014.
- Continues as Oracle's Executive Chairman and CTO.
- Helped expand Oracle into cloud infrastructure and enterprise applications.
- Became one of the world's wealthiest technology entrepreneurs.
Larry Ellison Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1944 | Born in New York City |
| 1970s | Worked in technology and programming |
| 1977 | Co-founded Software Development Laboratories |
| 1980s | Company became Oracle |
| 2014 | Stepped down as Oracle CEO |
| 2014–2026 | Executive Chairman & CTO |
| 2026 | Continues leading Oracle's technology strategy |
Interesting Facts About Larry Ellison
- He co-founded Oracle in 1977.
- He did not complete a university degree.
- Oracle was originally created around database software.
- He served as Oracle CEO for more than three decades.
- He remains Oracle's Executive Chairman and CTO.
- He has a strong interest in sailing and aviation.
- He is one of the world's wealthiest technology founders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Larry Ellison?
Larry Ellison is an American entrepreneur and technology executive who co-founded Oracle Corporation in 1977. He currently serves as Oracle's Executive Chairman and Chief Technology Officer.
How old is Larry Ellison in 2026?
Larry Ellison is 82 years old in 2026. He was born on August 17, 1944.
What is Larry Ellison famous for?
Larry Ellison is famous for co-founding Oracle and helping build it into a major global database, enterprise software, and cloud technology company.
Is Larry Ellison still the CEO of Oracle?
No. Larry Ellison stepped down as Oracle CEO in 2014. He is currently the company's Executive Chairman and Chief Technology Officer.
When did Larry Ellison start Oracle?
Larry Ellison co-founded the company that became Oracle in 1977.
What is Larry Ellison's educational background?
Ellison attended the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago but did not complete a university degree.
What does Oracle do?
Oracle provides database technology, cloud infrastructure, enterprise applications, and other technology services to businesses and organizations worldwide.