In a world where business has long been dominated by men, these 50 women have carved out their own empires. They have built fortunes from scratch — in industries as varied as pharmaceuticals, real estate, tech, fashion, and even soy sauce. Collectively worth $276 billion, they come from 13 countries, with nearly half from Asia-Pacific. Their journeys are stories of resilience, vision, and relentless determination.
There are now an estimated 658 million female founders and company owners worldwide. Here’s a closer look at these inspiring entrepreneurs — the Forbes’ 50 richest self-made women on Earth in 2025 — and the stories behind their success.
1. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant (Switzerland) – $38.8B | Shipping
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant was born in Haifa, Israel, and holds Italian citizenship while residing in Geneva, Switzerland. She is recognized as a Swiss resident and a key figure in the Swiss business world.
Rafaela built a maritime empire with her husband, starting with a $200,000 loan to buy their first ship. Today, their Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is the largest shipping line in the world with more than 900 vessels. At 80, Rafaela is still active, overseeing ship interiors and guiding the MSC Foundation. Her story proves how persistence can turn small beginnings into global dominance.
2. Diane Hendricks (United States) – $22.3B | Building Supplies
From working on a dairy farm in Wisconsin to becoming one of the wealthiest women in America, Diane Hendricks co-founded ABC Supply with her late husband, Kenneth Hendricks in 1982, The business is now one of the largest distributors of roofing and siding. A widow and mother of seven, she rebuilt her business empire after personal tragedy. She has spent millions on local economic development, rebuilding entire blocks in Beloit and bringing in several new businesses to the state.
Diane symbolizes how resilience, coupled with hard work, can transform challenges into triumphs. Today, Diane Hendricks is the Chairman and sole owner of the company, which has grown to be the largest wholesale distributor of roofing, siding, and window materials in the United States
3. Zhong Huijuan (China) – $15.6B | Pharmaceuticals
Once a high school chemistry teacher, Zhong Huijuan turned her expertise into a multi-billion-dollar pharmaceutical business. She founded Hansoh Pharmaceutical in 1995, which now develops treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Zhong embodies the idea that knowledge, when paired with entrepreneurial drive, can change industries and save lives.
Zhong Huijuan is the founder, CEO, and chair of Hansoh Pharmaceutical, which is headquartered in Lianyungang and is traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. She is the company’s majority shareholder, with a 66% stake.
4. Zhou Qunfei (Hong Kong) – $10B | Technology
Zhou Qunfei was born in 1970 in Xiangxiang, Hunan province, China, she started as a factory worker before founding Lens Technology in 2003, now a leading supplier of smartphone screens. Her company counts Apple, Samsung, and Tesla among its clients, making her one of the world’s richest self-made women in tech.
After the public listing of her company on the Shenzhen ChiNext market in March 2015, her net worth reached US$10 billion, making her the richest woman in China in 2018. Today she is the world’s 4th richest self-made woman, with a net worth of $10 billion.
Despite humble beginnings, she built her empire with grit and relentless innovation. Today, she stands as a global symbol of determination and perseverance.
5. Denise Coates (United Kingdom) – $8.5B | Online Gambling
Denise Coates transformed a small family betting shop into Bet365, one of the largest online gambling platforms worldwide. Known for her bold risk-taking, she launched the platform in 2001, long before online betting went mainstream.
Today, Bet365 has over 80 million customers, generating billions annually. Coates is celebrated as one of the most successful tech entrepreneurs in the UK.
6. Judy Faulkner (United States) – $7.8B | Healthcare Software
Judy Faulkner founded and CEO of Epic Systems, a software company revolutionizing the way hospitals manage patient records. Starting from a small basement office, she grew Epic into a company that now powers the medical records of over 250 million patients.
Her work has reshaped modern healthcare with a focus on efficiency and innovation. Faulkner ranks 430th, with an estimated net worth of $7.8 billion, based on what Forbes says is her 43% ownership of Epic which is among the five largest private U.S. tech software and services companies by revenue.
7. Wang Laichun (CHina) – $7.2B | Electronics Manufacturing
Wang Laichun, also known in English as Grace Wang, is a Chinese businesswoman and billionaire who co-founded the electronics manufacturer Luxshare and now serves as its chairwoman and chief executive officer.
She rose to build the malty billion-dollar company employing over 100,000 people. Her firm makes cables, connectors, and key iPhone components, cementing her as a major player in global supply chains. Wang’s story shows how ambition can transform modest beginnings into industry leadership.
8. Marian Ilitch & Family (United States) – $6.9B
Marian Ilitch cofounded Little Caesars Pizza with her husband, Mike, in 1959. The “Pizza! Pizza!” chain grew into one of the world’s largest carry-out franchises. Beyond pizza, the family’s holdings include major sports teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers.
Their investments also span into casinos, creating a vast and diversified fortune. Today, Little Caesars is the third largest pizza chain by total sales in the United States behind Domino’s and Pizza Hut.
9. Ling Tang (Canada) – $6.6B
Ling Tang earned her fortune through her significant stake in AppLovin, a leading marketing software company for mobile app developers. The Palo Alto-based firm provides tools to help developers market and monetize their apps and games. This investment in the mobile advertising ecosystem has been the primary driver of her multi-billion dollar wealth. Her success highlights the profitability of the global tech and gaming industries.
10. Lynda Resnick (United States) – $6.3B
Lynda Resnick is the co-owner and visionary behind The Wonderful Company, a sprawling agricultural conglomerate. She is famous for masterminding the marketing of iconic brands like POM Wonderful pomegranate juice and Fiji Water. Other major holdings in their portfolio include Wonderful Pistachios and Halos mandarins. Her business philosophy heavily emphasizes bold marketing and brand storytelling.
11. Wu Yajun (China) – $6.2B
Wu Yajun is the cofounder and former chairperson of Longfor Properties, one of China’s most prominent real estate development companies. She established the firm in 1993, and it grew to be known for high-quality residential and commercial projects. Although she has stepped down from executive roles, she remains a major shareholder. Her wealth is a testament to China’s decades-long property boom.
12. Thai Lee (United States) – $6.1B
Thai Lee is the President and CEO of SHI International, a massive provider of IT products and services. She and her former husband acquired the company in 1989 and dramatically expanded its scope. Under her leadership, SHI grew into one of the largest woman-owned businesses in America. The company serves corporate and government clients with software, hardware, and cloud solutions.
13. Melanie Perkins (Australia) – $5.8B
Melanie Perkins co-founded Canva, the revolutionary online design platform that democratized graphic design. She launched the company in 2013 with her cofounder (and now husband) Cliff Obrecht, after identifying the need for simpler design software. Canva’s user-friendly tools have attracted tens of millions of users globally. Perkins, one of the youngest self-made female billionaires, serves as its CEO.
14. Elizabeth Uihlein (United States) – $5.6B
Elizabeth Uihlein cofounded Uline, the leading distributor of shipping, industrial, and packaging materials in North America. She runs the multi-billion dollar company alongside her husband, Liz serving as President and CFO. Uline is renowned for its extensive catalog and highly efficient logistics, serving businesses across the continent. The company remains privately held, contributing to their significant wealth.
15. Zhou Chaonan (China) – $4.9B
Zhou Chaonan is the chairperson of Shenzhen Capchem Technology Co., a leading specialty chemical company. The firm produces key materials for industries like lithium-ion batteries, organic chemicals, and semiconductors. Her fortune is rooted in the manufacturing of these critical components for modern technology. This success underscores the importance of advanced manufacturing in the global supply chain.
16. Marina Budiman (Indonesia) – $4.8B
Marina Budiman is the chair of Data Center Indonesia (DCI), the country’s first and leading data center provider. She co-founded the company with her brother, Budi, recognizing early the critical need for digital infrastructure. DCI’s facilities form a vital part of Indonesia’s digital backbone, hosting servers for countless businesses. Her wealth is tied to the explosive growth of the nation’s internet economy.
17. Dewi Kam (Indonesia) – $4.8B
Dewi Kam built her fortune in Indonesia’s vital natural resources sector, specifically coal mining. She is a major shareholder in PT Black Diamond Resources Tbk, a publicly traded coal mining company. The demand for coal, both for energy and industrial purposes, has been the primary source of her wealth. Her position reflects the economic significance of the mining industry in Indonesia.
18 Tatyana Bakalchuk (Russia) – $4.6B
Tatyana Bakalchuk is the founder of Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer. She started the company in 2004 while on maternity leave, initially selling clothes from German catalogs. Wildberries grew exponentially by offering a vast range of goods and an extensive delivery network across Russia and neighboring countries. Her story is a remarkable example of e-commerce entrepreneurship.
19. Gail Miller & Family (United States) – $4.6B
Gail Miller inherited the Larry H. Miller Group, a vast business empire, after her husband’s passing in 2009. The company’s cornerstone is a network of highly successful automobile dealerships across the western United States. The portfolio also includes the NBA’s Utah Jazz, a minor league baseball team, and numerous entertainment venues. She is a prominent philanthropist in Utah.
20. Fan Daidi (China) – $4.5B
Fan Daidi is the cofounder and chairperson of China’s Yunnan Botanee Biotech Group, a leading company in the skincare and cosmetics industry. The company’s flagship brand, Botanee, focuses on sensitive skin solutions and has become hugely popular. Her fortune was built by catering to the booming demand for beauty and personal care products in China. She exemplifies success in the domestic consumer goods market.
21. Fan Hongwei (China) – $4.5B
Fan Hongwei is the chairperson of Hengli Petrochemical, a global industrial giant specializing in polyester and petrochemical production. The company produces materials essential for textiles, plastics, and packaging. Her wealth, shared with her husband, stems from their controlling stake in this manufacturing powerhouse. Hengli is a key player in China’s vast industrial supply chain.
22. Jayshree Ullal (United States) – $4.5B
Jayshree Ullal is the President and CEO of Arista Networks, a cloud networking company renowned for its high-speed data center switches. She took the helm in 2008 and led its highly successful initial public offering in 2014. A significant portion of her wealth comes from her stock holdings in the company, which competes with giants like Cisco. She is a highly respected leader in the tech industry.
23. Eren Ozmen (United States) – $4.4B
Eren Ozmen is the owner and President of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), a private aerospace and national security contractor. She and her husband, Fatih Ozmen, purchased the company in 1994 and grew it into a major defense player. SNC works on high-profile projects for NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense, including spacecraft and aircraft systems. Her story is a standout in the male-dominated defense sector.
24. Johnelle Hunt (United States) – $3.9B
Johnelle Hunt co-founded the trucking giant J.B. Hunt Transport Services with her husband, Johnnie, in 1969. They started with just five trucks and a single tractor, growing it into one of the largest logistics companies in America. Although she is no longer involved in operations, she remains a significant shareholder. She is also a notable philanthropist and real estate developer in Arkansas.
25. Chan Laiwa & Family (China) – $3.8B
Chan Laiwa is the founder of Fu Wah International Group, a major property developer known for luxury hotels and commercial real estate in Beijing. One of its most famous assets is the Regent Beijing hotel. She is also a renowned art collector and founded the China Red Sandalwood Museum. Her wealth bridges the worlds of high-end real estate and cultural preservation.
26. Meg Whitman (United States) – $3.8B
Meg Whitman is a veteran tech executive, famously serving as the CEO of eBay for a decade, where she oversaw its massive growth. She later led Hewlett Packard Enterprise and served as the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya. Her wealth was primarily built through her executive compensation and stock options during her tenure at various tech firms. She is a prominent figure in both business and diplomacy.
27. Maggie Gu (China) – $3.7B
Maggie Gu is a cofounder of Shein, the online fast-fashion retailer that became a global phenomenon. She plays a key role in the company’s operations and supply chain management out of its headquarters in Nanjing. Shein’s agile, on-demand manufacturing model has disrupted the entire fashion industry. Her fortune is a result of the platform’s explosive international growth.
28. Molly Miao (China) – $3.7B
Molly Miao is another cofounder of Shein and currently serves as its Chief Product Officer. She has been instrumental in developing the company’s data-driven approach to fashion design and trend forecasting. Like her cofounders, her wealth is tied to Shein’s success in capturing the Gen Z market worldwide. She represents the new generation of Chinese tech entrepreneurs.
29. Giuliana Benetton (Italy) – $3.6B
Giuliana Benetton is a cofounder of the global fashion brand Benetton Group, known for its colorful knitwear and provocative advertising campaigns. She started the company in 1965 with her three brothers, initially knitting sweaters herself. The family’s holdings expanded beyond clothing to include infrastructure and finance through Edizione Srl. She is an icon of Italian post-war entrepreneurship.
30. Peggy Cherng (United States) – $3.6B
Peggy Cherng co-founded the immensely popular American fast-food chain Panda Express with her husband, Andrew. She used her engineering background to develop the systems and processes that enabled the chain’s consistent quality and rapid expansion. With thousands of locations, it is the largest Asian-segment restaurant chain in the U.S. Her wealth stems from this fast-food empire.
31. Falguni Nayar (India) – $3.4B
Falguni Nayar founded Nykaa, India’s leading beauty and wellness e-commerce platform, in 2012 after a career in investment banking. Nykaa successfully tapped into India’s growing consumer market for cosmetics and fashion. The company’s blockbuster IPO in 2021 catapulted her into the billionaire ranks. She is celebrated as one of India’s most successful self-made female entrepreneurs.
32. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (India) – $3.3B
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is the founder and chairperson of Biocon Limited, India’s premier biopharmaceutical company. She started the company in a garage in 1978, focusing initially on industrial enzymes before expanding into generic drugs and biologics. Under her leadership, Biocon became a pioneer in insulin and antibody production. She is a trailblazer for science-based entrepreneurship in India.
33. Maritsa Lazari & Family (United Kingdom) – $3.2B
Maritsa Lazari, alongside her late husband, built one of London’s most significant private property portfolios through their firm, Lazari Investments. The family owns a vast collection of commercial real estate, including prime office and retail spaces across central London. Their wealth is rooted in the long-term holding and management of these strategic assets. The family maintains a very private profile.
34. Weili Dai (United States) – $3.1B
Weili Dai co-founded Marvell Technology Group, a global semiconductor company, with her husband Sehat Sutardja and brother Pantas Sutardja. She served as President and was one of the few female executives leading a major chip firm. Her wealth comes from the company’s success in producing chips for data storage, telecommunications, and consumer electronics. She is a prominent advocate for women in tech.
35. Jian Jun (China) – $3.1B
Jian Jun is the chairperson of Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co., a major Chinese manufacturer of vaccines and other biomedical products. The company specializes in vaccines for preventable diseases, a critically important sector. Her fortune was built by addressing public health needs through manufacturing and distribution. The company’s work gained significant attention during the COVID-19 pandemic.
36. Lam Wai-ying (Hong Kong) – $3.1B
Lam Wai-ying is a director and co-founder of Biel Crystal Manufactory Ltd., a leading supplier of glass screens for smartphones. The company counts major tech firms like Apple as its key clients. Her wealth, shared with her husband Yeung Kin-man, stems from their stake in this essential component manufacturer. Biel’s success is linked to the global smartphone boom.
37. Oprah Winfrey (United States) – $3.1B
Oprah Winfrey built a multi-billion dollar media empire through her iconic talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which was the highest-rated of its kind. She founded her own television network (OWN) and production company (Harpo Productions). A savvy investor, she also has a significant stake in WeightWatchers. Her influence extends beyond business to philanthropy and cultural advocacy.
38. Cheng Xue (China) – $3B
Cheng Xue is the vice chairperson of Foshan Haitian Flavouring & Food Co., the world’s largest producer of soy sauce. The company, founded by her husband, dominates the condiment market in China and is expanding globally. Her wealth is derived from the family’s massive stake in this consumer staples giant. The company’s success demonstrates the scale of the basic foodstuffs industry.
39. Zhao Yan (China) – $3B
Zhao Yan is the chairperson of Bloomage Biotech, the world’s largest producer of hyaluronic acid, a substance used in skincare products, supplements, and medical treatments. The company leverages biotechnology to create high-value ingredients. Her fortune is built on catering to the booming markets of beauty and wellness, both in China and internationally. She is a leader in the bio-economy.
40. Safra Catz (United States) – $2.9B
Safra Catz is the CEO of Oracle Corporation, the massive enterprise software company founded by Larry Ellison. She joined Oracle in 1999 and became one of its most powerful executives, playing a key role in its numerous acquisitions. A substantial part of her wealth comes from her executive compensation and stock holdings in the company. She is one of the highest-paid female executives in the world.
41. Pan Dong (Canada) – $2.6B
Pan Dong’s wealth is derived from a stake in Hisense Group, a major Chinese multinational appliance and electronics manufacturer. Hisense produces a wide range of consumer goods, including televisions, air conditioners, and refrigerators. The company’s global expansion has been the foundation of the family’s fortune. She maintains a very low public profile relative to the scale of the business.
42. Anna Angelicoussis & Family (Greece) – $2.5B
Anna Angelicoussis inherited the Angelicoussis Shipping Group, one of the world’s largest private shipping fleets, after her father’s passing in 2021. The group operates a vast number of tankers, bulk carriers, and gas ships. She is now tasked with steering the company through the volatile global shipping markets. She represents the new generation in a classic Greek shipping dynasty.
43. Barbara Banke & Family (United States) – $2.5B
Barbara Banke is the owner and chairperson of Jackson Family Wines, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious wine producers. She inherited the company from her late husband, Jess Jackson, and has expanded its global reach. The portfolio includes iconic brands like Kendall-Jackson, La Crema, and Cambria. She is a powerful figure in the global wine industry.
44. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao (Vietnam) – $2.5B
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao is the founder and CEO of VietJet Air, Vietnam’s first privately-owned and highly successful budget airline. She revolutionized air travel in Vietnam by making it affordable for the masses. Her investments also extend into real estate and finance through Sovico Group. She is Vietnam’s first self-made female billionaire.
45. Solina Chau (Hong Kong) – $2.4B
Solina Chau is a co-founder of the Horizons Ventures venture capital firm and was the long-time business partner of Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing. She has been instrumental in managing investments in cutting-edge technology and life sciences companies around the world. Her wealth is closely tied to the success of Li Ka-shing’s conglomerate, CK Hutchison Holdings. She is a key player in Asian investment.
46. Sheryl Sandberg (United States) – $2.4B
Sheryl Sandberg was the long-serving Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), where she managed the company’s business operations and advertising sales. She is also the author of the bestselling book “Lean In,” which sparked a global conversation about women in leadership. Her wealth was primarily accumulated through her compensation and stock awards at Meta.
47. Rita Tong Liu (Hong Kong) – $2.3B
Rita Tong Liu is a major figure in Hong Kong’s luxury real estate market. She is the senior director of Great Eagle Holdings, a property development and investment company founded by her father. The company’s portfolio includes prestigious hotels and commercial buildings in Hong Kong and overseas. Her wealth is rooted in the family’s long-standing and valuable property holdings.
48. Ye Qiongjiu (China) – $2.3B
Ye Qiongjiu’s fortune originates from his stake in Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co., a leading global supplier of video surveillance products and solutions. The company is a major player in the security technology industry, providing equipment for cities and businesses worldwide. The family’s wealth is tied to the growth of the security and IoT (Internet of Things) markets.
49. Susan Ocampo & Family (United States) – $2.2B
Susan Ocampo is a co-founder, along with her siblings Weili Dai and Sehat Sutardja, of Marvell Technology Group, a prominent semiconductor company. While her siblings were more publicly involved in management, her stake in the company forms the basis of her significant wealth. The family’s success illustrates the potential for immigrant entrepreneurs in the U.S. tech sector.
50. Chu Lam Yiu (Hong Kong) – $2.1B
Chu Lam Yiu is the founder and chairperson of Huabao International Holdings, a leading manufacturer of flavors, fragrances, and tobacco ingredients. The company provides essential tastes and scents for the food, beverage, and personal care industries. Her wealth was built by dominating a niche but critical B2B market. She maintains a highly discreet public profile
Conclusion
These 50 women represent the pinnacle of self-made success, redefining industries and inspiring generations. Nearly half are from Asia-Pacific, with technology and real estate leading the industries. While the wealth gap between men and women remains vast, this list shows the progress: self-made women now account for 3.5% of all billionaires, up significantly since 2017.
From Rafaela Aponte-Diamant’s shipping empire to Melanie Perkins’ Canva revolution, these women prove that barriers can be broken, and new legacies can be built.