The Top Of The Tech Industry

Forbes has released its 35th annual list of the richest people in the world. But this year was like no other, and the list reflected that fact. The number of billionaires boomed to an unprecedented 2,755 — that’s 660 more billionaires in the world compared to just one year ago. A record high 493 were brand new to the list, according to Forbes.

While billionaires aren’t immune to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been driving down profits across many industries for the past year, this year’s list brought to light the companies that are seeing surging profits, despite the pandemic. One such example, unsurprisingly, is Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos who nabbed the No. 1 spot for the fourth year in a row, beating out Microsoft’s Bill Gates, who has been the richest person in the world for 18 years running. Amazon, led by Bezos, isn’t the only one doing well in the face of an economic downturn. This year, 20 tech and telecom executives cracked the top 75 of the richest people in the world overall.

Forbes’ list of the world’s richest people highlights estimated net worth, business successes and philanthropic efforts of the world’s wealthiest. What follows is a list of the top 20 tech billionaires in 2021, according to Forbes.

See the latest entry: The 20 Richest Tech Billionaires in the World: Forbes’ 2022 List