Larry Ellison is best known as the cofounder, former CTO, and executive chair of Oracle, the global database and enterprise software company he built and still directs. He also owns and operates a substantial private investment portfolio, including most of the enterprise performance management firm NetSuite, which Oracle acquired in 2016, and multiple island properties and aviation assets through his personal holding structures. Ellison remains active in high-profile technology ventures and long-term investments while overseeing his philanthropic Ellison Medical Foundation. This profile clarifies the companies Larry Ellison owns, how they relate to Oracle, and how his personal investments fit into his broader business footprint.
Oracle Corporation: Core Company and Majority Role
Oracle Corporation is the central company in Larry Ellison's portfolio. Ellison cofounded Oracle in 1977 and served as CTO and executive chair for decades. He remains executive chairman and chief technology officer, shaping product strategy and long-term vision. As of the most recent regulatory filings, Ellison controls a majority of voting power through Class B common shares and beneficially owns a substantial stake, making him both the controlling and operating figure. Oracle provides enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, and database products used by organizations worldwide, forming the primary commercial engine behind Ellison's wealth and influence.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Company | Oracle Corporation | SEC filings (10-K, DEF 14A) |
| Ellison's Role | Executive chairman and CTO | Oracle corporate governance materials |
| Ownership | Majority voting power and large beneficial stake | DEF 14A and annual proxy statements |
| Business Focus | Enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, database management | Oracle investor relations |
NetSuite: Full Ownership After Acquisition
NetSuite is a cloud-based provider of enterprise performance management, including financials, CRM, e-commerce, and HR. Oracle acquired NetSuite in 2016 for approximately $9.3 billion, and Ellison personally owned a large block of NetSuite shares before the deal, giving him significant control. Post-acquisition, NetSuite operates as a distinct product line within Oracle, but Ellison's ownership through the acquisition and his continued involvement effectively mean he owns the company outright. NetSuite continues to run as a leading SaaS suite under Oracle's portfolio, and Ellison's stewardship of this asset is a core part of his broader holdings.
Personal Investment Vehicle and Operating Companies
Ellison maintains a family office and investment vehicle that holds and manages his personal stakes and acquisitions. Through these structures, he has made substantial private investments in both technology and non-tech sectors. Notable examples include significant funding rounds of technology startups and strategic follow-on investments in public companies where he sees long-term value. These entities are distinct from Oracle yet controlled by Ellison, underscoring that his footprint extends beyond a single public company. The disclosures around these holdings are often limited, but SEC filings and corporate registries capture many of the major stakes.
Real Estate, Aviation, and Island Holdings
Beyond software and technology, Ellison owns high-profile physical assets. He holds title to several island properties, most notably Lanai in Hawaii, which he purchased from the estate of David H. Koch. He also owns multiple aircraft through his private trust and aviation companies, including rare and high-performance jets. These assets are held under personal and trust structures managed by Ellison's office, reflecting the breadth of his net worth and how it extends into tangible, location-specific holdings that are separate from Oracle yet directly tied to him as owner.
Philanthropy and the Ellison Medical Foundation
Ellison channels a portion of his wealth into long-term philanthropic goals through the Ellison Medical Foundation. The foundation focuses on aging research and scientific discovery, funding grants, and supporting institutions. While structured as a nonprofit, the foundation's strategic direction and major funding decisions are closely linked to Ellison's oversight. This philanthropic entity does not operate for profit but forms part of Ellison's broader ecosystem of organizations that he owns and shapes, illustrating how his influence extends into social impact initiatives alongside commercial enterprises.
Summary of Companies and Holdings
In summary, the primary company Larry Ellison owns and operates is Oracle Corporation, where he serves as executive chairman and CTO. He also fully owns NetSuite following Oracle's acquisition, and controls a range of personal investments and asset vehicles. His holdings include real estate, aviation, and nonprofit entities, all organized under his oversight. The following list highlights the key components of his portfolio for quick reference.
- Oracle Corporation: Majority-owned and actively led; the core commercial enterprise.
- NetSuite: Acquired by Oracle in 2016; effectively wholly owned and integrated.
- Family office and investment vehicles: Private stakes and follow-on investments across sectors.
- Island and aviation assets: Physical holdings managed through trusts and personal entities.
- Ellison Medical Foundation: Nonprofit focused on aging research, guided by Ellison's vision.
Together, these pieces clarify which companies Larry Ellison owns and how they connect to his public role and private wealth, forming a durable overview of his business footprint.