Mark Zuckerberg Soon to Replace Warren Buffett as World's Third-Richest Person Facebook co-founder gains $1.7 billion after Instagram television announcement.

By Madison Semarjian

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Chesnot | Getty Images

Despite a shaky year, Facebook CEO and co-founder, Mark Zuckerberg, is soon to snag Warren Buffett's spot as the third-richest person in the world.

Facebook stocks rose 2.3 percent after Instagram announced a new television feature on Wednesday, putting another $1.7 billion in Zuckerberg's pocket.

Buffett, who used to be the world's richest person, is now worth $81.6 billion. He has given a considerate amount of his fortune to charity over the last 12 years. Zuckerberg is currently only $725 million behind, not even half the amount of money he made yesterday.

Analysts predict Facebook Messenger's potential monetization to generate an extra $6 billion by 2020, which would put Zuckerberg far ahead of Buffett.

Only 34, Zuckerberg is the youngest person in the world's richest top ten. Instagram's new feature made Zuckerberg the title-holder for earning the most money in one day. Following Buffett's charitable suit, Zuckerberg pledges to donate 99 percent of Facebook stocks over the course of his lifetime.

Madison Semarjian

Founder of Mada

Madison Semarjian is the founder of Mada, an outfit curation app.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

This Husband and Wife's 'Happy Accident' Side Hustle Hit $467,000 Revenue Fast — Now It Makes Over $1 Million a Year: 'We're Scrappy'

Charlene and Vince Li couldn't find the snack they wanted to see on the shelves, so they created it themselves.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Inflation Has Slowed to Its Lowest Rate in Months, Which 'Will Keep the Fed on Hold,' According to Leading Economic Experts

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed the Consumer Price Index for February on Wednesday.

Marketing

Everyone's on Their Phones — Why You Need a Mobile-First Communications Strategy

Businesses must embrace mobile-first strategies and use 5G, AI and data-driven insights to deliver secure and real-time customer experiences.

Growing a Business

'Boring' Businesses Are Making Millionaires — and You Can Borrow Their Strategies For Success

The silent growth strategy reveals how understated, steady businesses are quietly creating wealth for entrepreneurs in 2025. By focusing on long-term consistency and incremental progress, these "boring" industries are proving to be gold mines for those willing to embrace stability over hype.