The work behind the perspective
Larry Ellison
Oracle co-founder, long-time CEO, and technology visionary
- Database Management Systems
- Cloud Computing
- Enterprise Software Solutions
- Risk-Taking and Innovation
- Visionary Leadership and Foresight
- Competitive Strategy
About Larry Ellison
Larry Ellison - Biography
Larry Ellison co-founded Oracle Corporation in 1977, leading it to become a global leader in enterprise software and database management. He stepped down as CEO in 2014 but continues to influence Oracle's technology strategy as Executive Chairman and CTO.
Lawrence Joseph Ellison was born on August 17, 1944, in New York City and raised in Chicago. He attended the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago but did not graduate. In 1977, Ellison co-founded Software Development Laboratories, which later became Oracle Corporation, with Bob Miner and Ed Oates. Oracle grew rapidly, becoming a leader in database management systems. Despite challenges, including a financial crisis in the early 1990s, Ellison led Oracle through significant growth and a series of strategic acquisitions. In 2014, he transitioned from CEO to Executive Chairman and CTO, focusing on cloud infrastructure and AI. Outside of Oracle, Ellison is known for his interests in sailing, aviation, and philanthropy.
Learn from Larry when you're...
- Scaling a tech startup into a global enterprise
- Pivoting a mature company to emerging technologies
- Executing aggressive acquisition strategies
- Building resilient supply chains using AI and IoT
- Innovating in healthcare IT
- Cultivating a competitive, high-drive culture
- Recruiting and retaining top talent
- Maintaining founder stakes while making strategic investments
What can you ask about Larry Ellison's work?
In Get Mentors, Larry Ellison can hold one of the five seats on your Chat board. Ask Larry's seat or the whole board a question and receive perspectives grounded in published work, with every answer cited. Separately, one idea arrives each morning from mentors selected for your focus.
Best for these goals
- ✓Database Management Systems
- ✓Cloud Computing
- ✓Enterprise Software Solutions
- ✓Risk Taking And Innovation
Core frameworks
- •Question Conventional Wisdom Relentlessly - Test assumptions yourself rather than deferring to authority
- •Build What Others Won’t - Make bold bets on ideas dismissed by the market
- •Obsess Over Customers’ Economic Value - Deliver measurable value that changes customers’ economics
- •Database Management Systems
Sample questions
- “Which Larry framework applies to my current goal?”
- “What would Larry's published work suggest I consider?”
- “How does this Larry idea apply to my situation?”
- “What blind spot would this mentor framework help me notice?”
Ask about Larry's published frameworks, pressure-test a decision, or put the question to your whole board and see where the seats disagree.
Similar Mentors
More mentors like Larry Ellison
Give Larry Ellison a seat on your board
Ask this Chat board seat about Larry Ellison's published work. Daily Ideas are selected separately for your focus. 7-day free trial on the annual plan, or $19.99/month.
Take your seat