Methodology Note

This study has garnered significant media attention, prompting inquiries about our classification methodology for distinguishing self-made versus inherited wealth. We based our analysis on Forbes’ “Self-Made” designation, which identifies billionaires who built a company or established a fortune on their own, rather than largely inheriting it.

Forbes considers whether someone founded or co-founded the company that forms their wealth, how much growth occurred under their leadership, and whether they overcame significant obstacles versus being born into privilege. To validate this classification, we conducted stratified random sampling across wealth tiers, checking classifications through AI analysis (Gemini, Perplexity) and manual research.

This binary classification—self-made or inherited—represents an educated approximation that necessarily simplifies complex realities. Many billionaires fall somewhere between these extremes, having both inherited advantages and made significant contributions to their wealth. For broad statistical analysis across countries and industries, Forbes’ framework provides useful directional insights, though individual cases exist along a spectrum rather than in absolute categories