When it comes to wealth, there is one name that stands out above all others: Jeff Bezos. Bezos, the founder and former CEO of Amazon, is widely regarded as the richest person in the world.
According to Forbes’ real-time billionaire tracker, Bezos’ net worth as of March 2023 is estimated at over $170 billion, making him the wealthiest person on the planet by a considerable margin. This figure is more than double the net worth of the second-richest person in the world, Elon Musk, whose net worth is estimated at just over $80 billion.
Bezos’ journey to becoming the world’s wealthiest person began in 1994, when he founded Amazon in his garage in Seattle, Washington. The company started as an online bookstore but quickly expanded into other areas, including electronics, fashion, and groceries. Today, Amazon is the largest online retailer in the world, with operations in dozens of countries and a market capitalization of over $1.5 trillion.
While Bezos stepped down as CEO of Amazon in 2021, he remains the company’s largest shareholder, owning approximately 11% of the company’s stock. He also owns other significant assets, including the Washington Post and Blue Origin, his space exploration company.
Despite his immense wealth, Bezos is known for his relatively low-key lifestyle. He is famously frugal and has been seen driving a Honda Accord and shopping for groceries at Whole Foods. However, he is also a philanthropist and has pledged billions of dollars to charitable causes, including climate change and education.
It’s worth noting that Bezos’ status as the world’s richest person is not without controversy. Some have criticized Amazon’s labor practices, and Bezos has faced scrutiny over his personal life, including his high-profile divorce in 2019.
Nevertheless, there is no denying that Jeff Bezos is a dominant figure in the world of business and technology, and his immense wealth is a testament to his success as an entrepreneur. Whether or not he remains the world’s richest person in the years to come, his legacy as a pioneer of e-commerce and a major player in the tech industry is secure.