Forbes 2024 list of new billionaires on April 2 reveals that the world now hosts over 2,700 billionaires whose combined wealth totals $14.2 trillion.
In 2024, 256 individuals have achieved billionaire status, a significant increase from the previous year’s 150 entrants.
Among the standout names are pop sensation Taylor Swift and former NBA star Magic Johnson. Swift’s global ‘Eras Tour’ generated a billion dollars in revenue, making her the first musician to reach billionaire status solely through music and performances.
On the other hand, Johnson diversified his portfolio beyond basketball, investing in sports teams, movie theatres, and Starbucks franchises, in addition to his work as an NBA commentator, culminating in his billionaire achievement.
The 2024 list also highlights Livia Voigt, who, at 19 years old, becomes the youngest to join Forbes’ billionaire ranks. The Brazilian heiress received a $1.1 billion legacy from her grandfather’s investments in the turbine manufacturer WEG.
Other notable figures making the list include Shunsaku Sagami, founder of the M&A Research Institute; Anil Gupta, chairman of KEI Industries; Nicholas Howley, co-founder of TransDigm; sisters Sofia Högberg Schörling and Marta Schörling Andreen; Andrea Pignataro, founder of ION Group; and celebrated French fashion designer Christian Louboutin.