Which CEO co-founded Oracle Corporation in 1977?

Larry Ellison co-founded Oracle Corporation in 1977. The company began in Santa Clara, California, as Software Development Laboratories, founded with Bob Miner and Ed Oates.

Ellison’s interest in database technology was shaped by Edgar F. Codd’s 1970 paper describing the relational model for organizing data. The startup developed a relational database and released its first commercial product in 1979, calling it Oracle Version 2 even though no Version 1 had been sold.

The company changed its name to Relational Software in 1979 and then to Oracle Systems Corporation in 1983, reflecting the growing importance of its database product. Ellison served as CEO from 1977 until 2014, later becoming executive chairman and chief technology officer.

A common mix-up is confusing Oracle’s founders with later executives. Bob Miner and Ed Oates were also co-founders, while Safra Catz became a major successor in Oracle’s executive leadership. Ellison’s role is distinct because he was both a founder and the company’s long-serving public face.