The latest wealth rankings have showcased a powerful trend: significant fortunes are being built rapidly in the artificial intelligence sector. The 2025 New Fortune 500 list highlights how AI innovation is reshaping the economic landscape and creating new generations of entrepreneurs and investors.
Leading the list is 42-year-old Zhang Yiming, with an estimated shareholding value of 481.5 billion CNY, claiming the top position for the first time. His wealth is primarily derived from his equity in ByteDance, which has achieved remarkable success in artificial intelligence. The company’s three AI applications—Doubao, Jimeng, and Doubao Aixue—are among the top ten most active native AI applications in China. According to recent data, ByteDance reported revenues of $155 billion in 2024, a 29% year-on-year increase, with a net profit of $33 billion, making it the leading internet technology company in the region.
Another notable newcomer is 40-year-old Liang Wenfeng, who entered the top ten with an estimated share valuation of 184.6 billion CNY. As the founder of DeepSeek, Liang has focused extensively on AI development, resulting in substantial financial returns. The company’s DeepSeek-R1 large language model gained rapid popularity due to its cost-effective inference capabilities, reaching over 180 million monthly active users in the month following its release—a phenomenon in the industry.
Broader Impact on Established Tech Leaders
The influence of AI is not limited to newcomers. Well-known internet entrepreneurs such as Ma Huateng, Jack Ma, and William Ding have also seen significant increases in their wealth, maintaining stable positions within the top ten. Lei Jun and his family, benefiting similarly from advances in AI, ranked sixth with a net worth of 201 billion CNY, reflecting a 96% year-on-year growth.
The rise of AI is proving to be one of the most influential drivers of wealth creation globally. New billionaires are emerging across markets, illustrating the borderless nature of technological innovation. For instance, Lucy Guo, co-founder of Scale AI, became one of the world's youngest self-made female billionaires, with an estimated net worth of $1.25 billion, thanks to her stake in the company.
Why AI Continues to Generate Wealth
Artificial intelligence offers unprecedented opportunities for value creation. From optimizing business operations to enabling entirely new services, AI technologies are making processes faster, smarter, and more efficient. Companies that leverage machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision are positioned to lead in their respective industries, attracting both user adoption and investor interest.
Moreover, the scalability of AI-driven products allows startups to grow at an accelerated pace, often reaching global audiences in a short time. This rapid growth potential contributes to the swift accumulation of wealth for founders and early stakeholders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is driving the wealth growth in AI?
The expansion of AI technologies across industries such as healthcare, finance, and entertainment has created new revenue streams and business models. Companies that successfully integrate AI solutions can achieve higher efficiency, better customer engagement, and improved scalability, leading to increased valuations and investor confidence.
How are AI startups achieving such rapid user growth?
Many AI startups focus on solving widespread problems with accessible and affordable solutions. By offering high utility at low cost, these companies can quickly attract a large user base. Viral adoption, especially through word-of-mouth and digital platforms, further accelerates their growth.
Can AI-driven wealth creation be sustained?
While market dynamics may shift, the ongoing integration of AI into various sectors suggests that the trend is not short-lived. Continued innovation, along with increasing dependence on automated and intelligent systems, indicates that AI will remain a major wealth generator for the foreseeable future.
What sectors within AI are most promising for new entrepreneurs?
Areas such as ethical AI, specialized industry solutions, AI-powered education, and sustainability applications are gaining traction. Entrepreneurs who identify unmet needs and leverage AI responsibly are likely to find opportunities for impact and growth.
How do established tech companies stay relevant amid AI disruption?
Many traditional tech giants are investing heavily in AI research, acquiring startups, and integrating intelligent features into their existing products. This allows them to evolve with market demands and maintain competitive advantage.
What role does public policy play in AI-related wealth creation?
Government regulations, investments in AI infrastructure, and international collaboration on standards can significantly influence the growth of the AI industry. Supportive policies often accelerate innovation, while restrictive measures may slow down certain applications.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence is not just transforming technology—it's redefining the global wealth landscape. From pioneering founders to forward-thinking investors, AI continues to create unprecedented economic opportunities. As the technology evolves, new leaders and innovators will likely emerge, continuing the cycle of invention and value creation. For those interested in the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship, this is a space worth watching closely.
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