Not every billionaire was born into wealth. In fact, many of today’s richest people came from humble beginnings, working hard to rise from poverty to prosperity. These self-made billionaires prove that with determination, smart decisions, and a little luck, it’s possible to change your destiny. Here are five inspiring stories of billionaires who started with almost nothing.
1. Howard Schultz – Starbucks
Howard Schultz grew up in a poor housing complex in Brooklyn, New York. His father was a truck driver with little job security. Despite the odds, Schultz became the man behind Starbucks, turning a small coffee shop into a global brand. His rise from poverty to billionaire status is a true American success story.
2. Oprah Winfrey – Media Mogul
Oprah was born into deep poverty in rural Mississippi and faced many hardships growing up, including abuse and racism. She started her career in local media and eventually built her own empire. Today, Oprah is one of the world’s most influential women and a billionaire many times over.
3. Do Won Chang – Forever 21
Do Won Chang immigrated to the U.S. from South Korea and worked as a janitor, gas station clerk, and coffee shop worker to make ends meet. Along with his wife, he founded Forever 21 in 1984. What started as a small clothing shop grew into a global fashion chain, earning them billions.
4. Larry Ellison – Oracle
Larry Ellison was raised in a low-income Chicago neighborhood by his aunt and uncle after being abandoned by his mother. He dropped out of college and taught himself computer programming. Ellison later co-founded Oracle, which became one of the largest software companies in the world.
5. Jan Koum – WhatsApp
Jan Koum grew up in a small village in Ukraine and moved to the U.S. with his mother to escape political tensions. They lived on food stamps, and he worked as a cleaner to support them. Years later, he co-founded WhatsApp, which Facebook bought for $19 billion, making him a billionaire overnight.
Final Thoughts on 5 Billionaires Who Started Out Poor
These stories remind us that where you start doesn’t have to define where you end up. These billionaires faced poverty, hardship, and rejection — but never gave up. Their journeys prove that success is possible with perseverance, even when the odds are against you.
