Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has achieved a historic milestone by reaching a net worth of $500 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This extraordinary achievement cements Musk’s position as the wealthiest individual in history. Just days earlier, on December 11, his wealth stood at $400 billion, another record-breaking feat.
Musk’s fortune is primarily fueled by his role as CEO of Tesla, the world’s most valuable car manufacturer, renowned for its electric vehicles and sustainable energy products. Additionally, his leadership of SpaceX, a pioneering space exploration company valued at nearly $350 billion, significantly contributes to his wealth. Musk owns 42% of SpaceX through a trust and approximately 13% of Tesla, alongside 304 million exercisable stock options from a 2018 compensation package.
Musk’s diverse portfolio also includes ownership of X, formerly known as Twitter, which he acquired for $44 billion in 2022 and rebranded in 2023. Despite a valuation drop of 72% since the purchase, Musk holds a commanding 79% ownership of X Corp. His other ventures, Neuralink, xAI, and The Boring Company, further exemplify his multifaceted approach to innovation, with valuations informed by recent funding rounds and industry data.
Musk’s entrepreneurial journey began reshaping industries long before this milestone. In January 2021, Tesla’s market value surge propelled him to become the world’s richest individual. Beyond wealth, Musk has committed to philanthropy through Warren Buffett’s Giving Pledge, vowing to donate most of his fortune.
Musk’s ambitions extend beyond Earth; he has expressed plans to retire on Mars, reflecting his lifelong fascination with space exploration. Whether transforming the automotive industry, pushing the boundaries of space travel, or reinventing social media, Musk’s ventures symbolize a relentless drive to shape the future.