The global billionaire population reached a record 3,795 individuals in 2025, with their combined net worth climbing to $15,1 trillion. This growth was driven by the AI investment boom, which saw the number of billionaires rise by 8.2% year-over-year, while their collective fortunes increased by 12.8%.
Companies with exposure to artificial intelligence saw their valuations grow 23% faster than their peers during 2024 and 2025. Nvidia and Alphabet were among the primary beneficiaries of this trend, with Alphabet founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin adding over $100 billion to their combined wealth in 2025.
The startup sector contributed significantly to this surge, with more than 50 new billionaires emerging in 2025 from stakes in AI-focused companies like Anthropic. Elon Musk remains the wealthiest individual, with his net worth reaching $977 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index as of October 2026.
Despite these gains, reports suggest that the peak of this wealth surge may have passed. Signs of a slowdown in new wealth creation emerged by late 2026, prompting concerns that the valuation premiums enjoyed by AI-exposed firms may be vulnerable if market expectations shift.
