From technology and finance to healthcare and renewable energy, these industries have provided lucrative opportunities for these billionaires and investors alike.
In 2024, the number of billionaires reached a record high of 2,781, with a combined wealth of $14.2 trillion.
This represents a substantial increase from 2015, when there were approximately 1,826 billionaires with a combined wealth of around $7 trillion
Industries that serve as billionaires’ hubs
For the 427 billionaires on the Forbes list, finance and investment have been noted as their primary sources of wealth, including notable figures such as Warren Buffett and Michael Bloomberg.
However, while the manufacturing sector boasts the highest number of billionaires, the tech industry surpasses it in total wealth, with $2.6 trillion spread across 342 billionaires.
Notably, nine tech billionaires have accumulated wealth exceeding $50 billion each, surpassing any other industry.
When it comes to sectoral growth, billionaires in the tech industry saw the most significant surge, with their collective wealth tripling from $788.9 billion in 2015 to $2.4 trillion in 2024.
The list below, sourced from the Knight Frank Wealth Report, highlights the top 10 industries that produced the highest number of new billionaires between 2014 and 2024, offering insights into the evolving landscape of global wealth creation.
| S/N | Industry | Number of New Billionaires (2014-2024) |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Manufacturing |
509 |
|
2 |
Technology |
443 |
|
3 |
Finance & Investments |
353 |
|
4 |
Fashion & Retail |
318 |
|
5 |
Healthcare |
284 |
|
6 |
Food & Beverage |
277 |
|
7 |
Real Estate |
228 |
|
8 |
Diversified |
206 |
|
9 |
Media & Entertainment |
110 |
|
10 |
Automotive |
101 |
Manufacturing leads with 509 new billionaires, fueled by global industrial expansion. Technology (443) follows, boosted by AI, fintech, and e-commerce.
Finance & Investments (353) thrived on stock market gains and crypto.
Fashion & Retail (318) benefited from e-commerce and luxury trends, while Healthcare (284) saw biotech and pharmaceutical innovations.
Food & Beverage (277) capitalized on shifting consumer preferences.
Real Estate (228) grew through urbanization and high-value properties, and Diversified (206) billionaires profited across multiple industries.
Media & Entertainment (110) surged with streaming and digital platforms, while Automotive (101) boomed with EVs and autonomous tech.
The past decade has been transformative for billionaire wealth creation, with industries such as manufacturing, technology, and finance leading the charge.
The rapid advancements in technology, evolving consumer behaviors, and global economic shifts have shaped the financial landscape, making certain sectors more lucrative than ever.
As industries continue to innovate and expand, the next decade may see new sectors emerging as dominant players in billionaire creation.
