Larry Ellison has navigated a notable transition in his career, moving from being largely behind the scenes at Oracle to taking a more visible role in the media landscape. Throughout his tenure, Oracle has focused on cloud computing and database solutions for enterprise clients. Recently, as Ellison enters his 80s, he is increasingly stepping into the public eye as he expands his influence in media.
Although Ellison has generally maintained a lower public profile compared to other billionaires, he has not been without controversy. His leadership at Oracle has drawn scrutiny for allegations of aggressive behavior, with his biographer likening him to “a modern-day Genghis Khan.” The biographer’s book portrays Ellison as someone who fiercely pursues power within his company and industry, often at the expense of those around him.
Ellison’s foray into media began with investments in Annapurna Pictures and Skydance Productions, companies founded by his children. These ventures have transformed into significant players in film and television. In 2018, Ellison played a role in reorganizing Annapurna after it faced substantial debt, changing its financial practices toward seeking investors instead of relying on banks.
In recent years, Ellison’s media investments have intensified. For instance, he provided $1 billion to Elon Musk to assist with the acquisition of Twitter, now known as X. The merger of Skydance Media with Paramount further expanded his control over a range of media assets. Reports suggest that Ellison may also gain a substantial interest in TikTok in the United States, though the specifics of this deal remain uncertain.
Significantly, Ellison’s wealth positions him to expand his media empire without major financial constraints, allowing him the freedom to take risks in unfamiliar territories. As he builds this media conglomerate, questions about his influence and intent in shaping content and platforms within the industry continue to arise.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/tech/787051/larry-ellison-tiktok-quest-to-run-the-world