Artificial intelligence (AI) has become the leading generator of modern wealth, accelerating the emergence of billionaires and transforming the global economic landscape. In the United States, over 498 “unicorns”, startups valued at more than $1 billion, have surged thanks to massive investments and the rapid stock market growth of tech giants like Nvidia, Meta, and Microsoft.
The combined value of these companies exceeds $2.7 trillion, and 100 of them were founded since 2023. Names like Anthropic, Safe Superintelligence, OpenAI, and Anysphere lead the boom, attracting unprecedented levels of capital. In March alone, just four of the largest startups created at least 15 new billionaires, with combined fortunes of around $38 billion.
Notable examples include Mira Murati, who founded Thinking Machines Lab and, in only five months, achieved a $12 billion valuation after a $2 billion funding round, as well as Anysphere, whose 25-year-old CEO became a billionaire after the company’s valuation skyrocketed to nearly $20 billion.
Why is this wealth still out of reach for most?
Because the majority of it is tied up in private companies, making it inaccessible until a public offering or liquidity event occurs. However, secondary markets and structured sales are now emerging as faster ways for investors and founders to unlock part of their fortunes before going public.
Experts predict this Artificial intelligence-driven billionaire boom will continue, with innovation cycles shortening and global competition pushing valuations to new heights.
