There are arguably some big companies in the world that have too much influence on how things are run around the globe. Whether you like it or not, that’s the real truth. And yes, today, we are here to take a good look at the top 10 most powerful companies in the world as of 2024. On top of that, these are the companies that not just happen to be, but are for sure the biggest companies in the world in terms of market capitalization. So, let’s get to the list, shall we?
1. Apple Inc.
When it comes to the most influential and powerful companies on the planet right now, we can’t just miss past Apple. Nah, that’s not going to happen. Launched in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, Apple Inc. has changed the way the tech business works, forever. As of 2024, Apple has a market value of more than $3.3 trillion. Products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac that the company made were ground-breaking and changed the way people use gadgets, which is why they are at the top right now.
2. Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation, which was started by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975, is still a tech giant with a market value of more than $3.2 trillion. Microsoft, which is best known for Windows and Office, has moved into cloud computing with Azure, which is a competitor to AWS right now, you know, the cloud computing platform of Amazon. And we must put emphasis on how Microsoft has reached new heights thanks to CEO Satya Nadella’s “cloud-first” approach and investments in AI and machine learning over the years. And yes, its impact on professional networking and software development has also grown since it bought LinkedIn and GitHub.
3. NVIDIA
You look at NVIDIA just a few years ago, like 5 years ago for example, and they were just sitting pretty at a $1 trillion market cap, but suddenly the AI wave came, and who did we see riding it ahead of anyone else? Yes, it was NVIDIA Corporation, which was started by Jensen Huang, Chris Malachowsky, and Curtis Priem in 1993. It has now grown into a semiconductor giant with a market value of more than $3.1 trillion. The focus of CEO Jensen Huang on high-performance computing has changed the way games are played, data centers work, and self-driving cars work.
4. Alphabet Inc.
Can you even imagine that a company started emerging in 2015 and went on to become one of the most influential and powerful companies on the planet? But that’s pretty understandable when you look at how it came to light, yes, Alphabet is the same company that came into the picture after Google was reorganized a bit. Currently, though, a market value of over $2.1 trillion is held by Alphabet Inc. Google, which is its main division, and is the biggest search engine company in the world, we all know that right? And yes, recently, Alphabet has grown into AI, cloud computing, and health technology since Sundar Pichai became CEO.
5. Amazon.com, Inc.
Amazon’s story is a pretty interesting one too, and we are pretty sure that you have heard it a million times, like how Jeff Bezos started it in a basement as just an online book-selling business. Right? Well, as of now, it has a market cap of over $1.9 trillion and is a leader in both e-commerce and cloud computers. Amazon’s AWS platform, which provides scalable cloud options, brings in a lot of money. Amazon’s growth in streaming, AI, and transportation is still being led by its current CEO, Andy Jassy.
6. Saudi Aramco
With a market value of more than $1.8 trillion, Saudi Aramco is the world’s biggest oil company, and that’s the very reason it had to be on this list today. It was formed in 1933. With its huge oil reserves and production ability, the company is very important to the world’s energy market. Aramco is focused on innovation and sustainability under CEO Amin H. Nasser. The company invests in research and development to improve oil recovery and lessen its effect on the environment.
7. Meta Platforms Inc.
And who in the world doesn’t know this company? You must be living under a rock if you do not know Meta Platforms Inc., which used to be called Facebook and was started by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004, has a market value of more than $1.29 trillion now. And as you may already know, Meta runs well-known sites like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. CEO Zuckerberg is leading the company into the metaverse by putting a lot of money into VR and AR through its Oculus business.
8. Taipei Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)
TSMC is the biggest chip foundry in the world, with a market value of more than $910 billion. It was founded in 1987. Chips made by TSMC are used by big tech companies like Apple and NVIDIA. CEO C.C. Wei talks a lot about how important it is for the company to create cutting-edge technologies like 5-nanometer and 3-nanometer process nodes in order to make advanced semiconductors. All in all, in our opinion, making high-quality chips at TSMC is important for the world tech ecosystem.
9. The Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is a diversified company with a market value of more than $888 billion as of 2024. Warren Buffett is its chairman, did you already know that? It started out as a textile company, but under Buffett’s leadership, it changed into a holding company with interests in many different businesses. Berkshire has a wide range of investments, such as Geico, BNSF Railway, and big stakes in Apple and Coca-Cola.
10. Eli Lilly and Company
Last on the list is Eli Lilly and Company. And yes, this drug giant was started by Colonel Eli Lilly in 1876 and has a market value of over $820 billion. Eli Lilly is known for making new medicines that help people with diabetes, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. A strong supply of new medicines is the result of CEO David A. Ricks’ focus on research and development.
Conclusion
There you have it. Now, you see, the surpassing game between these top most powerful companies is pretty common. But worry not, we’ll keep you posted with any change in the market capitalization, or the ranking of these companies.
Brandon is the cheif editor and writer at WorldUnfolds.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen editorial eye, he crafts engaging content that captivates and enlightens readers worldwide.
