Larry Ellison, left, and his son David © FT montage/Phillip Faraone/Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, has long been a giant in the tech world. But now, he and his son David are building an empire that stretches far beyond software — one that’s drawing comparisons to the Rockefellers of the modern age.
Larry Ellison’s Rising Power
Oracle isn’t just about payroll and admin systems anymore. Thanks to its big bets on artificial intelligence, the company has surged ahead, pushing Larry Ellison to briefly overtake Elon Musk as the world’s richest man.
Ellison’s influence extends into politics, too. His close ties with former President Donald Trump helped Oracle land a key role in the $500 billion Stargate data center project — a move that placed the company at the heart of the AI race.
He’s also investing heavily overseas. In Oxford, UK, Ellison has spent hundreds of millions on real estate and lured top academics to his $1.3 billion Ellison Institute of Technology, set to open in 2027. At 81, with four young children from his wife Jolin, Ellison shows no sign of slowing down.
David Ellison’s Hollywood Moves
While Larry is reshaping technology, his son David is rewriting the rules in media. The Skydance founder already owns Paramount and now has his eyes set on Warner Bros, home to HBO and CNN. A takeover would give him control over some of America’s biggest media outlets, including CBS News.
David has also held talks to acquire Bari Weiss’s outlet The Free Press, signaling an ambition to influence the cultural conversation as well as the entertainment industry.
The TikTok Breakthrough
Meanwhile, one of the most closely watched dramas in U.S.–China relations may finally be reaching an end. After years of back-and-forth, Washington and Beijing have agreed on a framework to transfer TikTok’s U.S. ownership to a group of American investors — with the Ellisons playing a central role.
The sticking point has always been TikTok’s powerful algorithm. Under the tentative deal, ByteDance, its Chinese parent, would license the technology rather than give it up entirely. That clashes with U.S. law requiring a full divestment, but ultimately, the final call rests with the president. Trump is expected to discuss the deal directly with President Xi Jinping later this week.
Tokyo’s Financial Comeback
In Asia, Tokyo is fighting to regain its status as a global finance hub. Corporate reforms have sparked a new wave of mergers and acquisitions, and investors are eager to tap into Japan’s untapped capital.
Still, challenges remain. High taxes, strict regulations, and a shortage of finance professionals make setting up shop in Tokyo slow and costly compared with rivals like Singapore. But momentum is shifting, with many U.S. dealmakers increasingly flying to Tokyo as opportunities grow.
Key Leadership Changes
- Nestlé: Chair Paul Bulcke steps down, replaced by Pablo Isla.
- Bank of America: Hires Lorenzo Paoletti as managing director in life sciences.
- Willkie Farr & Gallagher: Names Jeffrey Poss as joint chair from 2027.
- Goldman Sachs: Fadi Abuali, Middle East and North Africa co-CEO, exits after nearly 30 years.
- Linklaters: Hires Massimiliano Nitti as head of corporate in Italy.
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