Elon Musk, born June 28, 1971, is a businessman and investor known for his roles at SpaceX and Tesla, Inc. He also owns X Corp. (formerly Twitter) and has founded The Boring Company, xAI, Neuralink, and OpenAI.
Musk, originally from Pretoria, South Africa, moved to Canada at 18 and later attended the University of Pennsylvania. He co-founded Zip2, PayPal, and SpaceX, and has been a controversial figure due to various public statements and actions.
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Elon Musk’s Net Worth
With a staggering net worth of US$247 billion, Elon Musk wears the crown of the world’s richest person. Elon Musk has argued against government subsidies for companies, advocating for a carbon tax to address greenhouse gas emissions and promote market-driven solutions.
Despite this, Tesla has benefited from billions in subsidies and $9 billion in zero-emissions credits as of February 2024. Musk has criticized short-selling, viewing it as harmful and suggesting it should be illegal, and supported the GameStop short squeeze in 2021. In December 2022, Musk sold $3.6 billion worth of Tesla stock, contrary to earlier promises not to sell additional shares.
Early life
Elon Musk, born in Pretoria, South Africa, has British and Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry. His mother, Maye, is a model and dietitian from Canada, and his father, Errol, is a South African engineer and property developer.
After his parents’ divorce, Musk lived with his father but later became estranged. He attended Bryanston High School and later Pretoria Boys High School. Musk moved to Canada in 1989, attended Queen’s University, and then transferred to the University of Pennsylvania, earning degrees in physics and economics.
Career
In 1995, Elon Musk co-founded Zip2 with his brothers Kimbal and Greg Kouri, developing an Internet city guide. The company was acquired by Compaq for $307 million in 1999, with Musk receiving $22 million. In March 1999, Musk launched X.com, an online financial services company, which later became PayPal after merging with Confinity in 2000.
PayPal was bought by eBay for $1.5 billion in 2002. Musk used $100 million from this sale to start SpaceX in 2002, which achieved significant milestones, including launching reusable rockets and developing the Starlink satellite network.
Personal life
Elon Musk has at least 12 children, including one deceased. With ex-wife Justine Wilson, he had twins in 2004 and triplets in 2006. They divorced in 2008. Their eldest twin, Vivian, transitioned and distanced herself from Musk.
Musk married and divorced Talulah Riley twice, dated Amber Heard, and in 2018, began a relationship with Grimes. They have three children, including one born in 2024. Musk also had twins in 2021 with Shivon Zilis, and a third child with her in early 2024. He was linked to Nicole Shanahan, Sergey Brin‘s ex-wife.
What did Elon Musk invent?
Elon Musk is known for several significant accomplishments. He co-founded PayPal, an electronic payment firm, and in 2002 founded SpaceX, which develops rockets and spacecraft.
Musk was a major early investor in Tesla, which produces electric cars and batteries, and became its CEO in 2008. Additionally, he has contributed to advancements in solar energy, electric vehicles, and space exploration. Musk’s ventures also include Neuralink, which focuses on brain-computer interfaces, and The Boring Company, which works on tunnel construction and infrastructure.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s net worth, while impressive, is just a number in the grand scheme of his life’s work. His vision, dedication, and relentless drive to innovate are what truly define him. As he continues to push boundaries, Musk’s financial stature serves as a testament to his impact on the world.
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FAQs about Elon Musk’s Net Worth:
- What is Elon Musk’s current net worth? As of now, Elon Musk’s net worth is estimated at $255.9 billion.
- How did Elon Musk amass his wealth? His wealth comes from his multiple companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and more.
- Is Elon Musk self-made? Yes, while he had some family support in his early years, his wealth is primarily self-made through his ventures.
- How does Elon Musk compare to other billionaires? Musk currently holds the title of the world’s richest person.
- Does Elon Musk have any ongoing projects? Musk’s latest venture is xAI, which focused on understanding the universe.
