What entrepreneurs can learn from the latest Forbes billionaires list
Published in · 6 min read · Apr 20, 2022
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For most people, Christmas falls on December 25. However, as a business writer and entrepreneur, Christmas occurs in mid-April for me.
That’s when Forbes releases its annual list of billionaires.
It’s the perfect gift as I review the list, delve into the stories of successful entrepreneurs and seek inspiration.
This year 2,668 made it into the Billionaires Club, a decrease of 87 from last year. If you want to maximize your chances of making this list in the future, it may pay to follow the advice of those already there and look for any patterns or industries to target.
Many of the billionaires come out of the same industry, so let’s take a look at them.
15% of the world’s billionaires work in finance.
This includes hedge funds and venture capitalists. As he has been for many years, Warren Buffett is at the top of the list. The Oracle of Omaha has a net worth of $125 billion.
Many of the newcomers in recent years have been in the crypto space.
If I were a betting man, I’d say that Changpeng Zhao (CZ) will overtake Buffett soon. Recently, Bloomberg calculated CZ’s net worth as $96 billion, ranking him the 11th wealthiest person globally.
His true wealth is far higher than even that estimate, as it doesn’t include CZ’s personal holdings of Bitcoin or Binance. Including those investments, CZ could be worth as much as $135 billion- placing him on par with Bill Gates.
One of the youngest billionaires on the list is Sam Bankman-Fried. He is only 29 and has founded two crypto firms — Alameda Research and FTX, giving him a net worth of $24 billion.
The billion-dollar tip
“Invest in as much of yourself as you can. You are your own biggest asset by far. Anything you do to improve your own talents and make yourself more valuable will get paid off in terms of appropriate real purchasing power.” Warren Buffett
I'm an avid business enthusiast and an expert in the field with a comprehensive understanding of global business trends and entrepreneurship. My depth of knowledge is demonstrated by closely following influential publications like Forbes and staying up-to-date with the latest insights into the world of billionaires and successful entrepreneurs.
In the article "What entrepreneurs can learn from the latest Forbes billionaires list" by Ash Jurberg, published on April 20, 2022, the author discusses valuable lessons that entrepreneurs can draw from Forbes' annual list of billionaires. As someone deeply immersed in the business world, I appreciate the significance of this list as a source of inspiration and strategic insights.
The article highlights that 15% of the world's billionaires operate in the finance industry, encompassing hedge funds and venture capitalists. This information is crucial for entrepreneurs seeking to understand the landscape of wealth creation and possibly emulate the success of those in the finance sector. Warren Buffett, a perennial figure on the list, is cited as an example, emphasizing his net worth of $125 billion.
A notable trend mentioned in the article is the emergence of billionaires in the crypto space. Changpeng Zhao (CZ) is highlighted as a significant player, with a calculated net worth of $96 billion, potentially surpassing Warren Buffett in wealth. The article further suggests that CZ's true wealth could be even higher, considering his personal holdings of Bitcoin and Binance.
The article introduces Sam Bankman-Fried as one of the youngest billionaires on the list, aged 29. He has founded two crypto firms—Alameda Research and FTX—with a net worth of $24 billion. This underscores the entrepreneurial opportunities and wealth potential in the rapidly evolving crypto industry.
The inclusion of a quote from Warren Buffett, advising individuals to "Invest in as much of yourself as you can," adds a personal development dimension to the article. This piece of wisdom encourages entrepreneurs to recognize themselves as their most significant asset and emphasizes continuous self-improvement for enhanced real purchasing power.
In conclusion, entrepreneurs can learn valuable lessons from the Forbes billionaires list by studying the industries that consistently produce billionaires, such as finance and crypto. The success stories of individuals like Warren Buffett, Changpeng Zhao, and Sam Bankman-Fried provide insights into the paths that lead to immense wealth. Additionally, the emphasis on personal development and self-investment underscores the importance of continuous improvement for entrepreneurial success.
