Amazon founder, Jeff Bezor overtakes Bill Gates to become the richest man in the world

Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos briefly overtook Bill Gates on Thursday, 27th, July, 2017 to become the world's richest person, as his worth hit $91.4bn (£70bn).

A sharp rise in Amazon shares meant Mr Bezos's wealth eclipsed that of the Microsoft co-founder for a time according to Forbes.

But as Amazon shares fell back, Mr Gates regained the top spot.

Mr Bezos, 53, owns about 17% of the shares in Amazon, but also has interests in several other businesses.

Recently soaring technology stocks have fuelled huge growth in the worth of entrepreneurs such as Mr Bezos and Facebook founder Mark Zuckberberg, 33, who is number five on Forbes's list.

But the last person to steal the lead was Spanish fashion boss Amancio Ortega, founder of Zara's owner Inditex. He was the world's richest man for two days last September.

Amazon's current share price puts Mr Bezos only marginally behind Mr Gates now.