Wondering how to be an entrepreneur? Throughout history, there are several outstanding examples of entrepreneurs striking it big. From rags to riches and from high school dropouts to world class magnates, some of these people’s stories are nothing short of impressive.
Wondering who’s the best of the best?
We have compiled a list presenting the world’s 7 greatest entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs on our list were not ranked according to their net worth, but rather according to the way in which they have influenced and shaped the business world.
No. 7: Ariana Huffington
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Ariana Huffington is the proof that writers can make good money; well, if they also have a sense for business that is. Her claim to fame? More than a decade ago, Miss Ariana founded the Huffington Post, which is basically a website for news revolving around politics, lifestyle, business, the environment, and entertainment. It’s not one of the largest print newspapers in America, no, but its web and social media presence is massive.
No. 6: Mark Zuckerberg
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Zuckerberg’s success story is so impressive that Hollywood movie giants decided to make a movie about it, called Social Network. Back in 2004, Zuckerberg, who at the time was a college student at Harvard University, launched the now infamous Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) from his dormitory room. Zuckerberg immediately saw its potential and decided to drop out of college, in an attempt to focus all of his attention on his baby project. His biggest move? Not to sell the rights he had over the company despite the multitude of companies that have tried to buy him out.
See more stories that can teach you how to be an entrepreneur on the following pages:
No. 5: Sir Richard Branson
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Undoubtedly UK’s greatest entrepreneur, Richard Branson was even knighted for his contributions and accomplishments. Best known for owning the Virgin Group, Branson’s influence over the years has spread across several fields and industries: aviation, music, charities, and, most recently, space travel.
No. 4: Steve Jobs
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You probably already know who Steve Jobs was and the legacy he left behind, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). Having started out as a technician for a computer company, in 1974, he decided to partner with his long-time friend, Steve Wozniak, and start selling computers. On April 1, 1976, they founded Apple.
No. 3: Sergey Brin and Larry Page
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We decided to rank Brin and Page together simply because they share the reason which made them famous and wealthy: Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG). The foundations of what today is the most popular search engines were set by the two back in 1999, after receiving financing from another top entrepreneur, Andy Bechtolsheim of Sun Microsystems.
No. 2: Oprah Winfrey
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Oprah Winfrey is the ultimate rags to riches story and she is the perfect of example of people managing to triumph in spite of adversity. Although she had already achieved fame and a hefty bank account due to her talk-show host ventures, she decided she wanted more from life and pursued her entrepreneurial dreams. Her most cherished offspring? Harpo Studios, founded back in 1988.
No. 1: Bill Gates
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Few names are as household as Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). In 1973, although a top student, he decided to leave the University of Harvard and start his own business. This turned out to be the best decision he ever made, as his net worth is currently evaluated at $53 billion. His biggest accomplishment? Having forever changed the way we work on our personal computers.
