Microsoft Founder Bill Gates No Longer Among World’s Top 10 Richest

Jakarta – Bill Gates, the visionary behind Microsoft, has seen his net worth dip, pushing him out of the top 10 wealthiest individuals globally. His former subordinate and successor at the tech giant, Steve Ballmer, has now surpassed him, currently holding the 8th position.

According to forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires list, as of July 12, 2025, Bill Gates’ net worth stands at an estimated $117 billion, or approximately Rp 1,895.4 trillion (using an exchange rate of Rp 16,200). This figure represents a slight decrease of $73 million, or 0.06%. Gates’ current wealth places him as the 13th richest person in the world.

This shift marks a critically important change, as Gates had already slipped from the top ranks in October 2024, at which point he was ranked 13th with a net worth of $106.1 billion.

Steve Ballmer, who once worked under Gates and later succeeded him as CEO of Microsoft, now boasts a fortune of $142.6 billion, or roughly Rp 2,310 trillion, according to Forbes’ records and AFP data.

Bill Gates has strategically diversified his vast wealth across a range of investments. Significant holdings include shares in Microsoft, republic Services, a major waste disposal company, and Deere & Co., a prominent tractor manufacturer.

By March 2020, when Gates stepped down from microsoft’s Board of Directors, he held approximately 1.3% of the company’s shares. In a notable move in 2022, he donated Microsoft shares valued in the billions to the Gates Foundation. Current estimates suggest his stake in Microsoft has fallen below 1%.

Looking ahead, Bill Gates announced in early 2025 his intention to progressively donate his wealth over the next two decades. This philanthropic plan aligns with the announced closure of the Gates Foundation on December 31, 2045.

What percentage of Bernard ArnaultS wealth is directly linked to LVMH stock performance?

Gates Rival Surpasses Microsoft founder in Wealth Ranking

The Rise of Bernard Arnault and LVMH

In a stunning shift in the global wealth landscape,Bernard Arnault,Chairman and CEO of LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis vuitton),has overtaken Bill gates to become the world’s richest person,according to recent Forbes and Bloomberg rankings as of July 13,2025. This marks a meaningful moment, signaling the growing influence of the luxury goods sector and a potential re-alignment of power amongst the world’s wealthiest individuals. The change is largely attributed to LVMH’s exceptional performance, particularly its flagship brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior, and the overall strength of the luxury market.

Key factors Driving Arnault’s Wealth Increase

Several factors have contributed to Bernard Arnault’s ascent:

Strong Luxury Goods Demand: Post-pandemic, demand for luxury items has surged, particularly in Asia. LVMH has capitalized on this trend, experiencing substantial revenue growth.

LVMH’s Strategic Acquisitions: Arnault’s shrewd acquisition strategy, including Tiffany & Co. in 2021, has expanded LVMH’s portfolio and market reach.

Brand Power & Exclusivity: LVMH brands maintain a strong image of exclusivity and prestige, allowing them to command premium prices and maintain high profit margins.

Shareholder Value: Increased investor confidence in LVMH has driven up the company’s stock price, directly impacting Arnault’s net worth, which is largely tied to his LVMH shares.

Economic Conditions: Favorable economic conditions in key markets, coupled with a weakening US dollar (affecting Gates’ wealth, largely held in Microsoft stock), have played a role.

Bernard Arnault: Primarily derives his wealth from his ownership stake in LVMH, a diversified luxury goods conglomerate. This makes his wealth more directly tied to consumer spending and brand performance.

Bill Gates: His fortune is largely based on his ownership of Microsoft stock and investments through the Bill & Melinda gates Foundation. This ties his wealth to the technology sector and philanthropic endeavors.

Shifting Dominance: For decades, technology titans like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos have dominated the top spots. Arnault’s rise signals a potential shift towards other sectors, like luxury goods, as major wealth generators.

European Representation: Arnault’s position as the world’s richest person also increases european representation at the very top of the wealth rankings.

Market Volatility: The constant fluctuation in wealth rankings underscores the impact of market volatility and economic conditions on individual fortunes.

LVMH’s Business Strategy: A Closer Look

LVMH’s success isn’t accidental.The company employs a distinct business strategy focused on:

1. Brand Building: Investing heavily in brand image and marketing to maintain exclusivity and desirability.
2. Vertical Integration: Controlling various stages of the production process, from raw material sourcing to retail distribution.
3. Decentralization: Allowing individual brands within the LVMH portfolio to maintain their unique identities and creative freedom.
4. Strategic Acquisitions: Identifying and acquiring brands with strong potential for growth and synergy.
5. Global Expansion: Targeting emerging markets,particularly in Asia,to capitalize on growing consumer demand.

The Gates Foundation and Philanthropic Influence

While Bill Gates has relinquished the top spot in wealth rankings, his impact extends far beyond financial metrics. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation remains one of the world’s largest and most influential philanthropic organizations.

Global Health Initiatives: The foundation has invested billions in global health initiatives, including vaccine progress and disease eradication programs.

Education Reform: Significant funding has been allocated to improving education systems in the United States and around the world.

Poverty Alleviation: The foundation supports programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving living conditions in developing countries.

Climate Change Mitigation: Increasing investment in climate change solutions and enduring development initiatives.

Future Outlook: Will Arnault Maintain the Lead?

Whether Bernard Arnault will maintain his position as the world’s richest person remains to be seen. Several factors could influence the outcome:

* Economic Slowdown: A global economic slowdown could negatively impact demand