A recent report from wealth research firm Altrata reveals that the global artificial intelligence boom has accelerated wealth creation, propelling the number of billionaires worldwide to a record 3,795 in 2025.

The wealth intelligence firm noted that the billionaire count grew by 8.2% year-over-year, marking the largest annual increase in five years. The combined wealth of global billionaires surged 12.8% to reach an all-time high of $15.1 trillion.

Altrata identified the top 150 listed companies that contributed most significantly to billionaire wealth. The report found that between 2024 and 2025, companies that invested at least $30 million in AI over the past five years saw their market capitalization grow 23% more than those that did not.

Maya Imberg, head of thought leadership and analysis at Altrata, said the AI investment frenzy on Wall Street has also intensified wealth disparity within the billionaire tier itself. The report counted 29 ultra-billionaires with personal net assets exceeding $50 billion, who collectively hold $4.1 trillion in wealth, representing 27% of all billionaire fortunes.

According to the firm's estimates, there were only 10 ultra-billionaires in 2017, accounting for 7.2% of total billionaire wealth. This year has seen significant stock market volatility, with the chip sector experiencing a $1.3 trillion market value wipeout in July.

Forbes statistics show that dramatic swings in paper wealth have become the norm for the wealthiest individuals: Elon Musk saw his net worth drop by $18 billion in a single day, while Larry Ellison lost $50 billion in wealth within one week.

"High market concentration does not necessarily mean a bubble is forming. However, wealth that is heavily concentrated in a single technology sector, with bets placed on AI, inherently carries risk," Imberg said.