Larry Ellison – fact or fiction? Although he is a tremendously successful entrepreneur and founder of Oracle, it is sometimes hard to decipher the rationale behind his decisions and behaviour. This case study explores Ellison’s “inner theatre,” the life experiences that shaped his character. It is a study of the strength and weaknesses of a larger-than-life leader, giving insights into the dark side of entrepreneurship, succession in entrepreneurial organizations, and the role of top executives in this kind of organization.