Oracle Corporation: Founders, CEO, Ownership, and Its Net Worth

In today’s rapidly changing technology landscape, Oracle stands out as one of the most influential players. What began as a modest venture has grown into a global powerhouse in enterprise software and cloud computing. Oracle’s story is marked by innovation, strategic vision, and strong leadership. Learning about its founders, current leadership, and the solutions it provides to businesses worldwide not only highlights the company’s remarkable journey but also sheds light on the foundation of modern digital infrastructure.

Who Founded Oracle?

Oracle Corporation was co-founded in 1977 by three individuals: Larry Ellison, Bob Miner, and Ed Oates. They initially started the company under the name Software Development Laboratories (SDL) in Santa Clara, California. The motivation behind the founding came from a desire to create a relational database management system inspired by a research paper. Later, the company was renamed Relational Software, Inc., then Oracle Systems Corporation, and finally Oracle Corporation in 1995.

CEO of Oracle

Larry Ellison led Oracle as its CEO from 1977 to 2014. After relinquishing the CEO role, he took on the positions of executive chairman and chief technology officer (CTO), roles he holds to this date. The current CEO since 2014 is Safra Catz, who was previously Oracle’s co-president and CFO. Larry Ellison remains the largest individual shareholder and a major driving force in the company’s strategic direction.

Owner and Net Worth

Larry Ellison owns approximately 42.7% of Oracle Corporation. He is one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, with a net worth estimated at $393 billion as of September 2025, making him the richest person globally. Ellison’s wealth is closely tied to Oracle’s stock performance and his significant ownership stake.

What Does Oracle Do?

Oracle is a multinational computer technology company specializing in database software, cloud computing, and enterprise software products. Its flagship product is the Oracle Database, a leading relational database management system used worldwide. Beyond databases, Oracle offers a wide suite of enterprise applications including:

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
• Human Capital Management (HCM)
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Enterprise Performance Management (EPM)
• Supply Chain Management (SCM)
• Customer Experience Commerce (CX Commerce)

Oracle also provides cloud infrastructure services and hardware solutions. The company serves a broad range of industries globally, supporting businesses in managing data, applications, and IT infrastructure efficiently.

Company Overview and Market Position

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Oracle is the fourth-largest software company in the world by market capitalization as of 2025, with a market value exceeding $660 billion. The company employs around 162,000 people worldwide and continues to grow through innovation and strategic acquisitions, such as Sun Microsystems and NetSuite, strengthening both its product portfolio and cloud computing capabilities.

Conclusion 

Oracle Corporation, founded in 1977 by Larry Ellison and his partners, is a global leader in enterprise software and cloud computing. Under the leadership of CEO Safra Catz and the continued influence of Ellison, Oracle drives innovation in data management and business solutions. With its expanding cloud services and commitment to emerging technologies, the company remains a key force shaping the future of the tech industry.