The Rise of the Self-Made Billionaire

Public debate about billionaires often centers on inequality, privilege, and the concentration of wealth. But beneath the headlines lies a more nuanced question: where do today's largest fortunes actually come from? In this episode, we explore the changing nature of extreme wealth, tracing how technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and the rise of new industries have reshaped the global billionaire class over the past decade. We examine the contrast between self-made founders and traditional oligarchs, the role of emerging markets in creating new fortunes, and the ongoing debate over whether modern wealth reflects innovation, political influence, or some combination of both. The story reveals that understanding today's billionaires requires looking beyond simplistic narratives, offering a deeper perspective on how economic power is evolving in an era defined by technology, globalization, and unprecedented entrepreneurial opportunity.https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/07/23/the-rise-of-the-deserving-rich