The 30 Most Influential Entrepreneurs Who Changed the World

1. Andrew Carnegie

Industry: Steel
Nationality: Scottish (later naturalized American)
Period: 19th century
Estimated wealth in 1919: $380 million (equivalent to $309 billion today)

Andrew Carnegie is often seen as the archetypal philanthropic entrepreneur. Born into a modest family in Scotland, he emigrated to the United States, where he rose from a simple laborer to a steel magnate. Carnegie focused on industrial innovation, introducing mass production methods that accelerated American industrial growth. What sets him apart is his belief in the redistribution of wealth: at the end of his life, he bequeathed almost his entire fortune to create libraries and educational institutions. This philanthropic model has inspired many other great entrepreneurs, such as Bill Gates.

2. Steve Jobs

Industry: Technology (IT, telecommunications)
Nationality: American
Period: Late 20th and early 21st century
Estimated net worth in 2011: $6.1 billion

Steve Jobs, Apple's co-founder, is celebrated for his design-centric approach to user experience. Jobs revolutionized personal computing with the Macintosh, then revolutionized the music industry with the iPod, mobile communications with the iPhone, and even the tablet industry with the iPad. His uncompromising approach to aesthetics and ease of use helped Apple become an iconic and unique brand. His vision went far beyond products: he wanted to make technology accessible to everyone, making it intuitive, elegant, and integrated into everyday life.

3. Henry Ford

Industry: Automotive
Nationality: American
Period: Early 20th century
Estimated wealth in 1947: $1.1 billion

Henry Ford democratized the automobile by making cars affordable through mass production. His Model T allowed millions of Americans to own a car for the first time. In addition to being a manufacturing genius, he was a pioneer in workplace welfare: by raising the minimum wage and reducing working hours, he not only retained his workforce, but also strengthened the middle class, which became his customer base. Ford redefined the automobile industry, laying the foundation for modern consumer capitalism.

4. Mark Zuckerberg

Industry: Social networks
Nationality: American
Period: 21st century
Estimated net worth in 2024: $68 billion

Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook out of his dorm room, transforming a simple college directory into a global social network that changed the way we communicate, socialize, and even do business. His monetization model focused on targeted advertising also transformed digital marketing. Facebook, now Meta, also acquired Instagram and WhatsApp, further expanding its influence. However, Zuckerberg remains a controversial figure due to privacy concerns and debates over misinformation on his platforms.

5. Jeff Bezos

Industry: E-commerce
Nationality: American
Period: 21st century
Estimated net worth in 2024: $117.2 billion

Jeff Bezos revolutionized retail with Amazon, which began as an online bookstore and grew into an e-commerce giant. A visionary, he focused on rapidly diversifying, adding other products and services. His “customer first” strategy also transformed the online shopping experience. Bezos expanded Amazon into digital services with Amazon Web Services (AWS), which is now one of the pillars of the Internet. His long-term investment approach and dedication to continuous innovation have inspired countless entrepreneurs.

6. Bill Gates

Industry: Technology (software)
Nationality: American
Period: Late 20th and early 21st century
Estimated net worth in 2024: $130 billion

Co-founder of Microsoft, Gates is one of the architects of the computer revolution. With Windows, he popularized the concept of the accessible operating system, enabling personal computing. His foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is one of the most influential in the world, contributing in particular to the fight against diseases and the improvement of education. Gates embodies the visionary entrepreneur who, after having accumulated an immense fortune, redistributes it in projects with a strong social impact.

7. Larry Page and Sergey Brin

Industry: Technology (Internet)
Nationality: American
Period: 21st century
Estimated net worth (each): About $58 billion in 2024

Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded Google, transforming access to the world’s information. Their PageRank search algorithm revolutionized the way information is ranked, making online search easier. With Alphabet, they diversified their businesses into fields such as healthcare, artificial intelligence, and automobiles. Their goal of organizing the world’s information and making it accessible to all continues to inspire innovation in technology.

8. Richard Branson

Industry: Diversified (mainly music, travel and space)
Nationality: British
Period: Late 20th and 21st century
Estimated net worth in 2024: $4.4 billion

Richard Branson is one of Britain's most iconic entrepreneurs. Founder of the Virgin Group, he has achieved success in a variety of industries, from music with Virgin Records to aviation with Virgin Atlantic to space tourism with Virgin Galactic. Branson is known for his boldness, risk-taking, and unconventional management style. His diverse empire continues to inspire with its versatile character and adventurous spirit.

9. Thomas Edison

Industry: Invention and electricity
Nationality: American
Period: Late 19th century
Estimated net worth: About $12 million (about $200 million today)

Thomas Edison is one of the most prolific inventors in history, with major inventions such as the phonograph and the light bulb. He also founded General Electric, one of the largest industrial companies in the world. What sets him apart is his spirit of perseverance and methodical approach, which have inspired many inventors and entrepreneurs. Edison proved that failure can be a stepping stone to success, a valuable lesson for all innovators.

10. Oprah Winfrey

Industry: Media and Entertainment
Nationality: American
Period: Late 20th century and 21st century
Estimated net worth: $2.8 billion

Oprah Winfrey is a media and entrepreneurial icon who has transformed her television show into a media empire. Her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, has become a global platform that has influenced popular culture, helped launch careers, and given voice to social issues. What sets Oprah apart is her authenticity and ability to connect with her audience. In addition to her production company Harpo Productions, she has become a leading influencer in publishing with her “Oprah’s Book Club.” Her commitment to philanthropy, particularly through educational initiatives, has made her an inspiring role model.

11. Elon Musk

Industry: Technologies (space, energy, transportation)
Nationality: South African (acquired US citizenship)
Period: 21st century
Estimated net worth in 2024: Around $215 billion

Elon Musk is a visionary innovator known for his bold risk-taking and ability to disrupt traditional industries. He co-founded PayPal and went on to launch SpaceX, which aimed to democratize access to space, and then Tesla, which revolutionized the automotive industry with its electric cars. Musk is also behind projects like Neuralink and The Boring Company. What sets him apart is his ability to design a bold future and execute it with a sometimes controversial, but resolutely forward-thinking approach. He inspires with his resilience in the face of technological and economic challenges.

12. Melinda Gates

Industry: Philanthropy and Technology
Nationality: American
Period: 21st century
Estimated net worth: $5.8 billion

Former Microsoft executive Melinda Gates has had a major impact on the technology industry as a product executive, but it is through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that she has truly distinguished herself. She has led global initiatives to improve the health, education, and living conditions of vulnerable populations. Melinda is also an advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment, seeking to reduce global disparities. Her pragmatic approach and vision of philanthropy, focused on impact and effectiveness, make her an influential social entrepreneur.

13. Warren Buffett

Industry: Finance and investments
Nationality: American
Period: 20th and 21st century
Estimated net worth in 2024: $138 billion

Nicknamed the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett is one of the world's most respected and successful investors. Through his company Berkshire Hathaway, he has invested in various sectors and advocated long-term value investing. Buffett is known for his cautious approach, his ability to understand economic cycles and his ability to remain calm in the face of financial crises. His modest lifestyle and his philanthropic commitment, including signing the Giving Pledge to give away the majority of his fortune, reinforce his status as a role model in the field of finance.

14. Arianna Huffington

Industry: Digital Media
Nationality: American (born in Greece)
Period: 21st century
Estimated net worth: $60 million

Arianna Huffington revolutionized digital journalism with The Huffington Post, one of the first platforms to combine traditional journalism with guest contributions, particularly from bloggers. The site's success led to its acquisition by AOL for $315 million. Huffington is also a wellness advocate, having founded Thrive Global, a personal development and mental health company, inspired by her own experiences with burnout. She is seen as a pioneer of wellness in the corporate world and has made health a priority in the workplace.

15. Howard Schultz

Industry: Food and beverage (coffee)
Nationality: American
Period: Late 20th and 21st century
Estimated net worth: $3.5 billion

Howard Schultz is the mastermind behind Starbucks’ transformation into a global coffee brand, inspired by Italian café culture. He created an environment where customers feel at home and where quality service is paramount. Schultz leveraged the concept of the “third place” (a social space between home and work) to build customer loyalty. His approach to management and corporate culture, where he values ​​employee well-being, has made Starbucks a model of success in terms of brand development and human resource management.

16. Rihanna

Industry: Fashion and cosmetics
Nationality: Barbadian
Period: 21st century
Estimated net worth: $1.7 billion

Rihanna has become a fashion and beauty icon with Fenty Beauty and Savage x Fenty, brands that have pushed diversity and inclusion in the cosmetics and clothing industry. She has created a line of products that offers options for all skin tones and body types, filling gaps in the market. Rihanna embodies modern entrepreneurship, combining her fame, boldness, and commitment to inclusive representation, which has made her an influential icon in the fashion and beauty industry.

17. Jack Ma

Industry: E-commerce
Nationality: Chinese
Period: 21st century
Estimated net worth: $24 billion

Jack Ma is the founder of Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce giant that has grown into one of the world’s most influential technology companies. Starting from nothing, Ma overcame many obstacles, including a lack of technical training, to build an empire that spans e-commerce, cloud computing, finance, and even entertainment. Alibaba transformed retail in China and pioneered new avenues for international trade. His vision and resilience make him a role model for entrepreneurs, especially in emerging markets.

18. Coco Chanel

Industry: Fashion and luxury
Nationality: French
Period: 20th century
Estimated net worth at death: Approximately $160 million

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel revolutionized fashion by introducing a style that was both chic and comfortable, freeing women from restrictive corsets. Her perfume Chanel No. 5 became a global icon, while her designs (such as the Chanel suit and the little black dress) continue to influence fashion. She established the house of Chanel as a symbol of luxury and timeless elegance. Her boldness and sense of innovation have left an indelible legacy, and she remains one of the most influential figures in fashion.

19. Larry Ellison

Industry: Technology (enterprise software)
Nationality: American
Period: Late 20th and 21st century
Estimated net worth in 2024: $155 billion

Larry Ellison is the co-founder of Oracle Corporation, a world leader in database and enterprise application software. Ellison saw an opportunity to create data management software to help businesses organize their information. Under his leadership, Oracle became a critical technology pillar for many of the world's leading companies. His can-do personality and competitive spirit made him a legendary figure in Silicon Valley, and his company continues to play a key role in the digital world.

20. Mrs. CJ Walker

Industry: Hair care and beauty
Nationality: American
Period: Early 20th century
Estimated fortune at death: $600,000 (equivalent to several millions today)

21. Ray Kroc

Industry: Fast food
Nationality: American
Period: 20th century
Estimated fortune at death: $600 million

Ray Kroc transformed McDonald's from a small family business into a multinational fast food corporation, creating a franchise-based business model. Through his innovations in standardizing operations, he offered consistent quality products on a global scale, redefining consumer habits. Kroc also pioneered a fast and efficient distribution model, making McDonald's a global cultural icon. His influence can be seen in the proliferation of fast food chains and the franchise business model.

22. JP Morgan

Industry: Banking and finance
Nationality: American
Period: Late 19th and early 20th century
Estimated wealth in 1913: About $80 million (equivalent to $25 billion today)

John Pierpont Morgan, or JP Morgan, is one of the founding fathers of modern finance in the United States. He played a central role in the development of the banking and industrial sectors, financing companies such as General Electric and consolidating the railroad and steel industries. Morgan stabilized the American economy during the Panic of 1907, personally intervening to prevent a major economic crisis. He made his mark on the history of finance for his ability to organize, restructure, and stabilize entire sectors.

23. Estee Lauder

Industry: Cosmetics
Nationality: American
Period: 20th century
Estimated fortune in 2004: $5 billion

Estée Lauder is a pioneer in the beauty and cosmetics industry, founder of The Estée Lauder Companies. She introduced marketing innovations, such as free samples, and positioned her products as luxury items. Her focus on quality and prestige transformed Estée Lauder into a global brand with a portfolio that included MAC, Clinique, and Bobbi Brown. She left her mark on the industry with her commitment to customer service and her flair for branding.

24. David Ogilvy

Industry: Advertising
Nationality: British
Period: 20th century
Estimated net worth at death: Around $100 million

David Ogilvy is often called the “father of modern advertising.” Founder of Ogilvy & Mather, he set new standards for advertising by focusing on research, creativity, and effectiveness. Ogilvy influenced marketing with his emphasis on clear, persuasive communication, creating iconic campaigns for Rolls-Royce, Dove, and Hathaway. His principles continue to inspire advertisers, and his legacy lives on in today’s digital marketing world.

25. Soichiro Honda

Industry: Automotive and motorcycles
Nationality: Japanese
Period: 20th century
Estimated net worth at death: About $1 billion

Founder of Honda Motor Co., Soichiro Honda started out as a motorcycle manufacturer before becoming a major player in the automobile industry. Honda popularized fuel-efficient vehicle designs and placed technical innovation at the heart of his business. His focus on quality and precision engineering helped make Honda one of the most respected brands in the world. His vision and determination inspired a generation of Japanese entrepreneurs and industrialists.

26. Walt Disney

Industry: Entertainment and Media
Nationality: American
Period: 20th century
Estimated net worth at death: About $1 billion

Walt Disney is an entertainment icon known for creating Disney Studios and his groundbreaking animated films. He also launched Disneyland theme parks, a pioneering concept in family entertainment. Disney demonstrated unparalleled imagination, creating iconic characters and timeless stories. He built a media empire focused on quality, innovation and customer experience. His legacy continues with The Walt Disney Company, which has become one of the world's largest media companies.

27. Sam Walton

Industry: Retail trade
Nationality: American
Period: 20th century
Estimated net worth at death: Approximately $8.6 billion

Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, transformed the retail industry by focusing on low prices and unmatched customer service. His strategy was to open stores in rural areas and optimize logistics to reduce costs. This approach allowed him to build the largest network of retail stores in the world. His business model focused on cost reduction and accessibility profoundly influenced the retail industry, making Walmart a global giant.

28. Fred Smith

Industry: Logistics and transport
Nationality: American
Period: 20th and 21st century
Estimated net worth in 2024: $5 billion

Fred Smith is the founder of FedEx, the first company to offer a global express parcel delivery service. His visionary idea for a fast delivery system revolutionized the logistics industry by introducing a centralized distribution organization. Smith leveraged technology to track packages in real time and ensure fast delivery. His ability to turn a simple idea into a logistics giant inspires many entrepreneurs in the transportation and distribution field.

29. Ingvar Kamprad

Industry: Furniture and retail
Nationality: Swedish
Period: 20th and 21st century
Estimated net worth at death: About $42 billion

Ingvar Kamprad is the founder of IKEA, a flat-pack furniture company that redefined the way people buy and assemble their furniture. By focusing on functional designs, affordability, and a “do it yourself” approach, Kamprad popularized an innovative distribution model. IKEA has become an iconic global brand, and Kamprad is often cited for his prudent management and commitment to simplicity. His efficiency-focused approach inspires many entrepreneurs.

30. Pierre Omidyar

Industry: E-commerce
Nationality: Franco-American
Period: 21st century
Estimated net worth in 2024: $8.7 billion

Pierre Omidyar is the founder of eBay, one of the first e-commerce platforms that allowed individuals to buy and sell items from each other. Omidyar pioneered the concept of an online marketplace accessible to all, giving rise to new business models based on the collaborative economy. He is also recognized for his philanthropic contributions, particularly in the fields of independent press and ethical technology. His pioneering vision continues to influence e-commerce and social innovation.

These 30 entrepreneurs all have one thing in common: they transformed ideas into reality, overcame obstacles, and constantly innovated. Their legacy is not limited to the companies they created, but also encompasses the values ​​and principles they embodied, inspiring entire generations. Through their perseverance, creativity, and vision, they redefined the world of business and influenced our daily lives. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or simply passionate about business, these stories show that anything is possible with courage and innovation. And who knows? Maybe the next big name on this list will be yours.