Dinu Patriciu

Using cash from sale of his oil company Rompetrol to Kazakhstan's state-owned energy operator KazMunaiGaz in 2008 to expand in energy, real estate and retail. His Marexin plans to spend up to $1 billion exploring oil and gas in Black Sea. Developing grocery stores across Romania called Mic.ro network; in August bought Minimax hypermarket chain. Also set up Bet-Caffe, a sports betting agency last spring. Owns Adevarul Holding media trust, which publishes Forbes Romania under license from Forbes Media LLC. Via his foundation, founded in 2007, grants scholarships from high school level to Phd students; also sponsors education awards for innovative teaching.