Larry Ellison and Oracle corporation

Case Description: This case makes a contribution to the field of entrepreneurship by focusing on one of the most successful entrepreneurs and companies of our generation. The case can be used in undergraduate entrepreneurship, small business management, or strategic management courses. Students will find the case study informative for several reasons. They will learn about the personality and background of Larry Ellison. What were his motivations and experience before he became an entrepreneur? Students will also learn about how Ellison founded and grew Oracle Corporation. Finally, students will examine the current problems and opportunities that confront Oracle in 2011 and they will be required to make recommendations to Ellison and Oracle. Case Synopsis: The case examines the background, personality and rise of Larry Ellison, one of the most prolific entrepreneurs of our generation. Ellison, who co-founded Oracle Corporation, was the third wealthiest man in the United States in 2011 with an estimated net worth of $33 billion. The case further documents the startup, growth and current problems and opportunities confronting Oracle Corporation, the world's largest multi-faceted software company. Ellison got his start by working on a database project for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Codename: Oracle. In 1977, Ellison went into the database business for himself and founded Oracle with Robert Miner and Edward Oates. Over the last 33 years the mogul grew Oracle into a dominant player in the database, software, and server industries. The current market cap was $150 billion and Ellison owns more than 20% of the company.