How Much of Tesla Does Larry Ellison Own?
Larry Ellison discreetly became a significant Tesla shareholder in December 2018 when he purchased 3 million shares, equivalent to roughly 1.7% of the company, making him the second-largest individual investor after Elon Musk {1}. Thanks to Tesla’s 5-for-1 stock split in August 2020, Ellison’s holding officially increased to around 15 million shares, while the ownership percentage remained stable despite the dilution effect {2}. This stake is now rumored to be worth in the tens of billions, depending on real-time market value.
Did Larry Ellison Invest in Tesla?
Yes. Ellison’s investment, disclosed through SEC filings, was about $1 billion, consolidating his position not only as a key investor but also as a board member appointed in December 2018 {1}. His personal conviction in Tesla's long-term potential—and his close friendship with CEO Elon Musk—underscored the strategic and symbolic importance of this move.
Why Did Larry Ellison Leave Tesla’s Board?
In June 2022, Ellison announced he would not stand for re-election to Tesla’s board at the upcoming annual meeting. Tesla chose not to replace him, instead reducing its board size—part of broader changes following regulatory requirements for more independent oversight {2}. Though he departed from formal governance, Ellison retained his substantial equity stake and continues to benefit from Tesla’s performance.
Related: Meet Larry Ellison’s Hollywood Heirs: Where Are They Now?
What Does Ellison’s Stake Mean for His Wealth?
Ellison’s Tesla holdings have significantly contributed to his wealth growth. With a net worth now exceeding $300 billion, he stands as one of the wealthiest people globally—thanks in part to his 15 million Tesla shares and his near-40% ownership of Oracle {3}. That Tesla stake represents both strong diversification and a high-conviction investment in innovation.
Larry Ellison - Co-founder of Oracle
Implications for Tesla and Business Portfolio Strategy
Ellison’s investment highlights several key lessons for business leaders and investors:
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Diversification Pays Off: Balancing established holdings (like Oracle) with bold bets (like Tesla) can yield outsized returns.
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Strategic Visibility: His board role reinforced credibility and showcased alignment, even after stepping down.
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Long-Term Vision: Ellison’s faith in Tesla has compounded dramatically, offering a compelling example of patience paired with insight.
Sources
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Market Realist – Details Ellison’s $1 billion investment and 1.7% stake in Tesla.
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Forbes – Notes his board departure in 2022 and ongoing Tesla shareholding.
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Bloomberg – Reports Ellison’s net worth surge driven in part by Oracle and Tesla holdings. {Source 3}
