INTRODUCTION
Charts
1. Non-state Enterprises with Over $10 billion Revenue Founded in 19th century by Country
2. Number of People with >$25 billion Wealth by Industry and Global Region
The pie chart shows the distribution of non-state enterprises with over $10 billion in revenue that were founded in the 19th century, grouped by country. The United States dominates with 54.5%, reflecting its rapid industrial expansion during the late 1800s and the long-term survival of major corporations. Notable examples include Coca-Cola (founded 1892), General Electric (1892), and ExxonMobil, whose origins trace back to Standard Oil in 1870.
Germany accounts for 18.2%, with industrial giants such as Siemens and Bayer highlighting its strong engineering and chemical sectors. Britain and France each hold 9.1%, reflecting early industrial leadership, with firms like HSBC (1865) illustrating Britain’s financial reach.
Japan and India contribute smaller shares, though companies such as Mitsubishi demonstrate Japan’s Meiji-era industrial growth. Overall, the chart underscores the lasting economic influence of 19th-century industrial powers, particularly the United States.
The chart illustrates the number of individuals with over $25 billion in wealth by industry and global region. Overall, technology clearly produces the highest concentration of ultra-wealthy individuals, particularly in North America and Northeast Asia. North America leads technology with nine individuals, largely reflecting the dominance of the United States and Silicon Valley. Prominent figures include Jeff Bezos and Larry Page, whose fortunes stem from e-commerce and digital platforms.
Finance is also heavily concentrated in North America, with five individuals in this category, underscoring Wall Street’s global influence. Investors such as Warren Buffett exemplify this financial dominance. Northeast Asia shows strong representation in technology and retail, highlighting the rise of Chinese and East Asian entrepreneurs, including Jack Ma.
Western Europe appears more diversified, with notable wealth in consumer goods and retail sectors. In energy and commodities, representation is more geographically varied, including Latin America and Eastern Europe, reflecting resource-based fortunes.
Overall, the chart demonstrates that technology is the primary driver of extreme wealth in the modern economy, with North America—particularly the United States—remaining the dominant global centre for both tech and finance billionaires.