Michael Dell net worth: How the billionaire briefly became the world’s second-richest person

Michael Dell’s net worth is estimated at $276.5 billion as of September 12, 2026, according to Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires List. Despite reaching a higher fortune than his September 9 figure, Dell is currently ranked No. 3 among the world’s richest people.

Michael Dell’s net worth soared as he briefly became the world’s second-richest person on September 9.. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)His wealth has jumped sharply in 2026 as Dell Technologies shares have surged on strong demand for equipment used in artificial intelligence data centers.

Dell, 61, founded the company at 19 while studying at the University of Texas at Austin. He also holds major investments outside the company through his private investment firm, DFO Management.

Dell’s position on the billionaire rankings has changed this week. On September 9, Forbes reported that his net worth had climbed to $273.2 billion, briefly moving him into the No. 2 spot ahead of Alphabet co-founder Larry Page. He was behind only Tesla chief Elon Musk at that point.

By September 12, Dell’s fortune had risen further to $276.5 billion. However, that did not keep him at No. 2. The Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List ranked him No. 3 globally as the wealth of other billionaires changed along with market prices. So, while Dell’s net worth is now higher than it was on September 9, his ranking has moved back to third place.

Forbes had estimated Dell’s fortune at about $141 billion at the start of 2026. That means his wealth has nearly doubled during the year.

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A large part of Dell’s fortune is linked to Dell Technologies, where he remains chairman and CEO. He personally owns about 40% of the company, meaning big moves in its stock can change his net worth.

Dell Technologies has gained from the growing need for AI servers and data storage. Forbes reported that the company’s shares had risen 327% since the beginning of 2026. The company has increasingly moved beyond its earlier image as a personal computer maker and has become a major supplier of hardware for AI data centers.

Dell started the business in 1984 from his University of Texas dorm room. He reportedly generated $80,000 in sales by the end of his freshman year before leaving college to focus on the company.

Dell’s wealth is not limited to his stake in Dell Technologies. Forbes says much of his fortune is held through DFO Management, his private investment firm, which has investments in hotels and liquid corporate credit.

The firm owns the Four Seasons Maui and has indirect stakes in companies including Applebee’s, IHOP and Calvin Klein.

Dell and his wife, Susan Dell, have also committed billions to charitable causes. In 2025, they pledged $6.25 billion to seed investment accounts for 25 million U.S. children, with $250 going into each account. They also committed $750 million toward a new hospital and research campus at the University of Texas at Austin.

Sehjal Gupta is a Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times and is part of the US Desk. She covers a wide range of stories from the United States, including politics, sports, entertainment, breaking news, and major global developments. She enjoys working across different beats because every story brings a fresh perspective and an opportunity to explore something different. Before joining Hindustan Times, Sehjal was part of The Times of India, where she headed the International Sports and US Streamers team. She reported on international sports, athlete stories, streamer news, and major developments from around the world. The role gave her the opportunity to work on a diverse range of stories while leading coverage across two evolving news categories. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and believes the experience taught her the importance of staying organised, managing priorities, and adapting to new challenges. Over the years, she has reported on a variety of topics and enjoys taking on stories that keep her curious and encourage her to look beyond the obvious. Expertise: International news, International/US sports, and streamer coverage. Interests: Global affairs, geopolitics, politics, and entertainment. Outside work, Sehjal loves travelling, watching movies, and exploring new places to eat. She enjoys discovering new cultures and believes that some of the best stories and experiences come from stepping outside her comfort zone and exploring unfamiliar places.Read More