Larry Ellison: From the Bronx to the Top of Technology, The Story of a Visionary

Larry Ellison is one of the most iconic figures in the technology world, founder of Oracle Corporation, and one of the richest men in the world. His life is an example of resilience, innovation, and unbridled ambition. Born into difficult circumstances, Ellison built an empire from scratch, revolutionizing the database and cloud computing industries. However, in the final months of 2025, Oracle shares plummeted significantly, raising questions about the company's future in an era dominated by artificial intelligence. In this article, we explore his personal story, his rise to success, the reasons behind his triumph, and the causes of the recent stock market decline.

Difficult Beginnings: A Life of Abandonment and Determination

Lawrence Joseph Ellison was born on August 17, 1944, in the Bronx, New York, to a single mother, Florence Spellman, of Jewish descent. At just nine months old, he contracted severe pneumonia, and his mother, then just nineteen and unmarried, decided to give him up for adoption to his aunt and uncle, Louis and Lillian Ellison, who lived in Chicago. Raised in a modest two-bedroom apartment on Chicago's South Side, Ellison's childhood was marked by a less than affectionate family environment. His adoptive father, a Russian-Jewish immigrant who had lost his fortune during the Great Depression, was often critical of him.

Ellison attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign but dropped out in his sophomore year after his adoptive mother's death. He subsequently enrolled for a semester at the University of Chicago, where he learned the fundamentals of programming and computer design. Without a degree, he moved to California in 1966, drawn by the opportunities of the nascent technology industry. There, he worked in various positions, including at Ampex Corporation, where he gained experience in computer systems. His self-taught education and passion for technology laid the foundation for his future career.

The Rise: The Founding of Oracle and the Database Revolution

Ellison's rise began in 1977, when, with just $2,000 and in collaboration with colleagues Bob Miner and Ed Oates, he founded Software Development Laboratories (SDL), later renamed Relational Software Inc. in 1979 and finally Oracle Systems Corporation in 1982. The revolutionary idea stemmed from a 1970 article by Edgar F. Codd on relational database architecture, which Ellison adapted to create the world's first commercial relational database. Oracle Database, launched in 1979, was an innovation that allowed companies to manage large amounts of data efficiently, scalably, and securely.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Oracle grew exponentially thanks to an aggressive strategy: direct sales, targeted acquisitions, and a focus on innovation. Ellison, CEO until 2014, led the company through periods of crisis, such as near bankruptcy in 1990 due to aggressive accounting practices, but emerged stronger. Expansion into cloud computing and enterprise applications, such as ERP and CRM, consolidated Oracle's dominance in the B2B sector. Today, Ellison holds approximately 42.9% of Oracle shares and 1.4% of Tesla, contributing to a net worth estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars.

The Reasons for Success: Vision, Aggressiveness, and Innovation

Ellison's rise can be attributed to several factors. First, his pioneering vision: Ellison recognized the potential of relational databases before many competitors, creating a product that became essential for governments, banks, and global corporations. The CIA was one of its first customers, commissioning a database for its systems. Second, his aggressive and competitive personality: known for his direct management style and challenges such as participating in the America's Cup (which he won in 2010 and 2013), Ellison pushed Oracle to acquire competitors like PeopleSoft, Siebel, and Cerner, expanding its product portfolio.

Furthermore, adapting to emerging trends, such as cloud and AI, has kept Oracle relevant. In recent years, partnerships with companies like Nvidia and investments in AI data centers have led to stock market spikes, with Ellison briefly surpassing Elon Musk as the world's richest person in September 2025. His unconventional approach, including personal investments in media and real estate (such as the Hawaiian island of Lanai), has diversified his empire.

Oracle's Recent Stock Plunge: Causes and Implications

However, 2025 hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows. In December, Oracle shares suffered a dramatic decline, losing approximately 45% from recent highs and 30% in just two months. The decline began after December's quarterly results, which missed revenue estimates, followed by pessimistic forecasts. A key factor was the exponential increase in AI infrastructure spending: Oracle invested billions in data centers, but delivery delays (such as those for OpenAI) and the loss of private funding for a $10 billion project fueled doubts about the return on investment.

Analysts expressed concerns about a possible "AI bubble burst," with Oracle struggling to quickly monetize its AI bets despite high demand for data centers. The plunge dragged down shares of related companies such as Nvidia and Micron, reflecting broader malaise in the tech sector. Despite this, some experts see the decline as exaggerated, with potential for recovery if Oracle can optimize costs and accelerate revenue from cloud AI.

Conclusion: A Legend in Evolution

Larry Ellison's story is that of a dropout who transformed the tech industry, demonstrating that innovation and tenacity can overcome any obstacle. From the Bronx to the top of Oracle, his success stems from a blend of technical genius and aggressive strategy. The recent stock market crash, linked to ambitious but costly AI investments, presents a challenge, but Ellison has weathered worse crises. With his role as CTO and a forward-looking vision, Oracle could emerge stronger, confirming Ellison as a perennial innovator.