10. Hourieh Peramaa
- Net Worth: $1 billion
- Source of Wealth: Real Estate
- Residence: London, UK
- Unique Info: Known for purchasing one of the most expensive homes in London, Hourieh started as a refugee at 17 and built her fortune in real estate investments.
9. Manny Mashouf
- Net Worth: $1.3 billion
- Source of Wealth: Fashion (Founder of Bebe Stores)
- Residence: United States
- Life Journey: Having studied political science, Manny managed a restaurant before establishing the women’s fashion brand Bebe, which took the world by storm.
8. Isaac Larian
- Net Worth: $1.5 billion
- Source of Wealth: Toys (Founder of MGA Entertainment)
- Location: California, USA
- Story: After immigrating to the United States with just $750 in his pocket, Larian worked a string of lowly jobs before founding MGA Entertainment, which gained fame with its Bratz dolls and later LOL Surprise toys.
7. Ghermezian Family
- Net Worth: $1.5 billion
- Source of Wealth: Real Estate and Retail
- Location: Canada
- Achievements: Owners of the Mall of America, the family attributes its success to unity and innovation in retail and entertainment industries.
How Customers Feel
6. Merage Family
- Net Worth: $2 billion
- Source of Wealth: Food Products – Inventors of Hot Pockets
- Residence: California, USA
- Unusual Accomplishment: Family sold their business, Chef America, to Nestlé for $2.6 billion and transitioned to real estate and philanthropy.
5. Mohammad Javad Larijani
- Net Worth: $2.5 billion
- Source of Wealth: Politics and Technology
- Residence: Tehran, Iran
- Interesting Fact: The source of his wealth has come through political influence and technology investments.
4. Hamed Haddadi
- Net Worth: $30 million
- Source of Wealth: Professional Basketball
- Residence: Iran
- Sports Journey: First Iranian to play in the NBA, Hamed is the epitome of Iranian talent as far as International Sports is concerned.
3. Hossein Hedayati
- Net Worth: $50 million
- Source of Wealth: Energy and Industry
- Residence: Tehran, Iran
- Contribution: The leading figure in Iran’s energy sector, Hedayati is known for developing his country’s infrastructure.
2. Babak Zanjani
- Net Worth: $13.5 billion (Disputed due to legal issues)
- Source of Wealth: Oil and Trade
- Residence: Tehran, Iran
- Controversy: Zanjani’s wealth came from oil trade but was arrested for alleged embezzlement.
1. Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani
- Net Worth: $40 billion
- Source of Wealth: Politics and Business
- Residence: Tehran, Iran
- Legacy: A former President of Iran, Rafsanjani balanced political influence with business ventures, becoming the wealthiest Iranian figure.
Motivational Insights and Success Stories
Manny Mashouf
He came to the U.S. with a dream, and from a love of fashion created a globally recognized brand. He started small, with the knowledge from each venture growing, and proves that through persistence and vision, an idea can be transformed into a billion-dollar empire.
Isaac Larian
From washing dishes to owning the world’s largest privately-held toy company, Isaac’s journey is all about persistence and adaptation. That he could switch industries is a testament to how failure can sometimes yield even better opportunities.
Ghermezian Family
Through family unity and a common vision, they built some of the world’s most famous shopping destinations. Their story underscores the value of collaboration and long-term thinking.
Merage Family
Starting with microwaveable snacks, the Merage family diversified their investments while giving back to society. Their story inspires entrepreneurs to innovate and expand horizons.
Akbar Rafsanjani
Rafsanjani epitomizes how combining political insight with business acumen can create transformative results. His life reminds us that leadership and economic strategies go hand in hand.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- Start Small: Many of these billionaires began with humble beginnings.
- Adaptability: They were not afraid to pivot when opportunities shifted.
- Collaboration: Several, like the Ghermezian family, thrived by working together.
- Innovation: From creating new snack products to redefining retail spaces, creativity was key.
- Philanthropy: Many used their wealth to give back, showing the importance of purpose alongside profit.
These stories inspire us to think big, accept challenges, and stay committed to goals.