Billionaires and AI: Navigating the AI Frontier
Majority of wealthiest individuals polled have integrated AI into their operations
In the ever-evolving world of technology, AI (Artificial Intelligence) has become a game-changer, and this is especially true for the world's wealthiest individuals. Recent Forbes surveys have demonstrated that AI is increasingly becoming an integral part of their lives, both personally and professionally.
Over half of the surveyed billionaires (approximately 65%) confessed to utilizing AI in their personal lives, while an impressive 77% have integrated it into their businesses for enhanced productivity [1]. One such tech maverick, Eric Lefkofsky, believes that embracing AI has been instrumental in the growth not only of his business, Tempus AI, but also in enabling patients to live longer, healthier lives.
Among the maiden crop of AI-empowered billionaires gracing Forbes' 2025 World's Billionaires list, many have found innovative ways to leverage AI. LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman even went as far as creating an AI twin of himself, engaging in a Q&A session titled "Me, Myself and (A)I." Yet, not everyone is as enthusiastic; Warren Buffett, on the brink of retirement, compares AI to a "genie out of the bottle" that "scares the hell out of me."
The survey, consisting of responses from 45 billionaires (with an average age of 66), revealed a multifaceted relationship with AI. Over half of the respondents (43 and 40) disclosed their personal and professional AI usage, respectively [1]. A significant number (27) admitted to employing AI chatbots, with ChatGPT being the favored choice among 23 of them. Robotics have also made their way into businesses, with industry leaders like Rob Hale, Anurang Jain, Eric Hemar, and Charles Koch reporting its use [1].
Bill Gates' 2023 prediction that in five years everyone would be using an AI personal assistant seems to be Ringing true, as 12 billionaires reported using AI virtual assistants. However, AI replacements for services such as personal trainers, chefs, and therapists might be the only option for those less privileged.
The survey revealed some ingenious AI uses, such as food imaging by the ousted medtech billionaire Joe Kiani and deal analysis, investment memo drafting, and article summarization by anonymous respondents. Nevertheless, a handful of billionaires remain skeptical or reluctant to incorporate AI, with nine stating they do not use AI in their businesses [1]. These include finance magnate Stephen Smith, car dealership billionaire Norman Braman, industrial business titan Harsh Goenka, homebuilder Patrick Neal, and five anonymous respondents.
Neal, who considers reading to be his only hobby, expressed concern about the "built environment" [2]. In a recent interview, he stated, "A home is tangible." AI's influence on the lives of the world's billionaires continues to evolve, with fascinating insights and skepticism flowing in equal measure.
[1] According to recent surveys, the percentage of billionaires using AI in their business and personal lives is as stated above.[2] Quotation from Forbes interview with Patrick Neal, March 2025.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become indispensable for a significant number of billionaires, with 77% integrating it into their businesses and over half using it personally.
However, not all billionaires embrace AI, as finance magnate Stephen Smith and homebuilder Patrick Neal are among those who do not use it in their businesses.
