Kam Ghaffarian, serial aerospace entrepreneur and physicist, has built some of the most important private companies operating at the edge of human spaceflight. After founding Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies (SGT) and becoming a major NASA contractor, he went on to cofound Axiom Space, which is building the world’s first commercial space station, and Intuitive Machines, a pioneer in lunar landers and deep-space robotics. Ghaffarian combines long-range vision, technical depth, and mission-driven leadership, investing hundreds of millions into commercial space infrastructure and future crewed missions. His work has made him one of the central architects of the emerging private space economy.

John Goff, billionaire investor and founder of Crescent Real Estate and Goff Capital, built one of the most successful real estate and private investment enterprises in Texas. After joining the fledgling Crescent Realty Trust in the early 1990s, he helped grow it into a multibillion-dollar office and mixed-use portfolio, later engineering its sale to Morgan Stanley and reacquiring major assets during the financial crisis at steep discounts. Through Goff Capital, he has expanded into hospitality, aviation, and energy, while backing high-growth ventures and serving as chairman of luxury travel company Omni Hotels & Resorts. Known for contrarian timing, discipline, and opportunistic dealmaking, Goff remains a defining figure in modern Texas business and real estate.

Jeffery Hildebrand, founder and CEO of Hilcorp Energy Company, has built one of the largest privately held oil and gas producers in the United States through a strategy centered on operational excellence, disciplined reinvestment, and revitalizing mature assets. Since establishing Hilcorp in 1989, he has expanded the company across major U.S. basins—from Alaska’s North Slope to the Gulf Coast—while cultivating a renowned employee-ownership culture that includes some of the most generous bonus programs in the industry. Known for his low profile, entrepreneurial rigor, and long-term vision, Hildebrand has become one of America’s most successful self-made energy billionaires.

Carl Icahn is the legendary activist investor and founder of Icahn Enterprises, the diversified conglomerate he controls with an 86% stake. Born in Brooklyn in 1936, he helped pioneer shareholder activism as a high-stakes corporate raider—targeting companies like Trans World Airlines and Time Warner—then transitioned into long-term value investing. His bet on CVR Energy has since become the financial backbone of Icahn Enterprises amid broader portfolio volatility.

Alan Zekelman is a Canadian-American industrialist and executive at Zekelman Industries, one of North America’s largest steel pipe and tube manufacturers. As part of the Zekelman family enterprise, he has played a key role in expanding the company’s reach across infrastructure, construction, and energy sectors.

Shapoor Mistry, Chairman of Shapoorji Pallonji Group, oversees a $30 billion global conglomerate with interests in construction, infrastructure, real estate, and energy, and holds a significant stake in Tata Sons.

Idan Ofer is an Israeli billionaire businessman and philanthropist, known for his extensive investments in various industries including shipping, energy, and mining. He is the founder of Quantum Pacific Group and has significant stakes in multiple global corporations.

Andrey Melnichenko is a Russian billionaire industrialist known for his significant contributions to the global chemical and energy sectors. He is the founder of EuroChem Group and SUEK (Siberian Coal Energy Company), two of the largest companies in their respective industries.

Low Tuck Kwong is an influential Indonesian businessman known for his substantial impact on the mining and energy sectors. As the founder of Bayan Resources, he has established a prominent presence in the global coal industry.

Gennady Timchenko is a Russian billionaire known for his extensive involvement in the energy and commodities sectors. As the co-founder of Gunvor Group, one of the world's largest independent commodity trading companies, and a key player in various Russian enterprises, he has significant influence over global energy markets.

Eyal Ofer is a billionaire Israeli shipping magnate and real estate developer. He is the Chairman of Ofer Global, Zodiac Group, and Global Holdings, and has an extensive portfolio in maritime, real estate, and technology sectors.

Vinod Shantilal Adani, an influential businessman and elder brother of Gautam Adani, has made significant strides in the business world, primarily through the Adani Group. His extensive experience and strategic vision have been pivotal in the expansion and success of the family conglomerate.

Iris Fontbona is a Chilean billionaire businesswoman and widow of Andrónico Luksic, the founder of Antofagasta PLC, one of the world's largest copper mining companies. She oversees the Luksic Group's interests, making her one of the wealthiest individuals in Latin America.

Gautam Adani is an Indian billionaire industrialist and the chairman and founder of the Adani Group, a conglomerate involved in port development and operations in India. Adani has also invested in various sectors such as energy, resources, logistics, agribusiness, real estate, financial services, and defense.