Edwin Chen emerges as richest newcomer to Forbes 400 list

In September 2025, Forbes unveiled its latest iteration of the Forbes 400, the annual ranking of the wealthiest individuals in the United States. This year, 14 new members joined the ranks, significantly impacting the list with their contributions across various industries. The richest among them, Edwin Chen, holds an impressive net worth of $18 billion, attributed to his 75% ownership stake in his company Surge AI, which specializes in data labeling for artificial intelligence models. As part of the growing tech landscape, this valuation reflects the heightened demand for AI infrastructure and services in an evolving digital economy. Interestingly, the average age of the newly added billionaires is around 50, contrasting with the overall average of 70 for the entire Forbes 400 list. This indicates that these newcomers could maintain their positions in the ranking for years to come, as they continue to adapt and innovate within their respective fields. Among the other notable names is Marc Lore, whose ventures in e-commerce have amassed him a net worth of $4 billion. Lore's latest project, Wonder, has been valued at over $7 billion and contributes to a burgeoning food tech sector tapping into modern trends. Another significant entrant is Adam Foroughi, CEO of AppLovin. His wealth surged by over $14 billion in just a year due to sustained growth in the tech company since its public debut. Conversely, Vladdy Tenev from Robinhood witnessed remarkable revenue growth due to rising interest in cryptocurrency trading, signaling a shift in investor behavior, especially among younger demographics. In contrast, investors like Michael Dorrell and Robert Pender have made their fortunes through traditional sectors like infrastructure and oil & gas, indicating a diverse wealth landscape. The 2025 Forbes 400 highlights a dynamic era in wealth generation where technology, energy, and innovative startups play vital roles. The newcomers are not only adapting rapidly to market changes but also reflecting broader trends in consumer behavior and investment priorities. This year’s list suggests an evolving narrative in American wealth, balancing time-tested industries with the fast-paced demands of the digital economy, setting the stage for exciting developments in the near future.