Larry Ellison is the cofounder and longtime leader of Oracle Corporation, and his birth date is a basic biographical anchor for anyone studying his influence on enterprise software and global business. Knowing when Larry Ellison was born helps explain the long arc of his career, from early work at Ampex to decades of dominance in database technology.
This article breaks down Ellison’s birth date, his career milestones, leadership approach, and key facts in a clear, scannable format that supports search intent around his personal timeline and business impact.
| Full Name | Birth Date | Birth Place | Primary Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence Joseph Ellison | August 17, 1944 | New York City, New York, United States | Oracle Corporation |
Early Life Formative Years and Birth Details
Ellison’s birth in August 1944 set the stage for a life marked by intellectual independence and resistance to conventional paths. His early years in New York City exposed him to urban density and diverse ideas that later fueled his bold product bets in technology markets.
Childhood and Education
Growing up, Ellison often felt like an outsider, which strengthened his focus on merit and performance, two traits that defined his approach to building Oracle and competing in enterprise software.
Oracle Corporation and Product Leadership
When Larry Ellison was born, mainframes dominated computing, yet he would eventually challenge that model with networked, relational databases that reshaped how companies manage information. Oracle’s product strategy has long centered on reliability, scale, and aggressive integration, turning Ellison’s vision into one of the world’s largest enterprise software platforms.
Key Product Milestones
- 1979: First commercial version of Oracle Database released
- 1992: Oracle7 launched with PL/SQL and forms based triggers
- 2000s: Shift to grid computing and cloud-ready architecture
- 2010s: Major acquisitions and SaaS expansion
Leadership Style and Management Approach
Ellison’s leadership blends meticulous product oversight with a competitive streak that drives Oracle forward. Even after decades at the top, he remains deeply involved in engineering reviews, go to market plans, and major partnerships.
Cultural Impact Inside Oracle
Under his guidance, Oracle developed a reputation for intense internal standards, long term contracts, and a focus on profitable growth, which appeals to many enterprise buyers but also invites scrutiny from regulators and activists.
Business Influence and Market Position
By aligning his birth era with the rise of digital data, Ellison helped position Oracle at the center of corporate IT backbones. The company’s influence spans on premises deployments, hybrid clouds, and critical applications such as ERP and supply chain suites.
Competitive Landscape
Rivals including Microsoft, SAP, and Amazon continually challenge Oracle, yet its integrated stack, strong cash flow, and Ellison’s long term outlook sustain its role as a primary force in enterprise software strategy.
Personal Background Wealth and Public Profile
Larry Ellison net worth reflects decades of owning a substantial stake in a company that consistently generates high margins. His personal profile includes high profile sailing, aviation, and real estate projects that echo his taste for excellence and meticulous control.
Philanthropy and Public Activities
Ellison has funded medical research, environmental initiatives, and educational programs, though his impact is often filtered through the lens of his business decisions and the controversies that accompany them.
Key Takeaways and Recommended Focus Areas
- Larry Ellison was born on August 17, 1944, in New York City
- Oracle Database launched in 1979 and established a durable enterprise foothold
- Ellison’s leadership mixes hands on product oversight with aggressive market positioning
- Oracle remains a major player in cloud, on premises, and hybrid environments
- Understanding his birth timeline clarifies his perspective on long term contracts and enterprise priorities
FAQ
Reader questions
When was Larry Ellison born exactly, and does Oracle officially recognize this date?
Larry Ellison was born on August 17, 1944, and Oracle Corporation treats this date as a key part of its founder narrative, often referenced in company milestones and press materials.
How does Ellison’s birth year relate to the rise of relational databases?
Born in 1944, Ellison entered the industry just as structured data and shared mainframes were creating demand for reliable, scalable database systems, which became Oracle’s core offering.
Have changes in technology or regulation altered Oracle’s leadership timeline?
While Ellison has stepped back from some operational roles, his continued involvement means his birth era still influences the long term strategic thinking at Oracle.
What controversies surround public discussion of Ellison’s age and background?
Public debates sometimes focus on his wealth, tax strategies, and statements, yet most market observers still evaluate Oracle through the lens of product execution and sustained profitability.