Eight men as rich as half the world

The eight individuals who own as much as half of the rest of the planet are all men, and have largely made their fortunes in technology. Most are US citizens, with one European and one Mexican in the mix. Several have pledged to give it all to charity.

The eight tycoons' net worth, as calculated by Forbes magazine, was cited on Monday by anti-poverty activists Oxfam in a report highlighting income inequality. Although most of them will not be joining the annual meeting of business and political elites in the Swiss town of Davos this week, the extraordinary individual wealth they typify will be part of the gathering's discussions on inequality.

Here's a look at who they are.