Elon Musk – Foto: Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com
South African entrepreneur Elon Musk achieved a net worth exceeding $500 billion on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, becoming the first person in history to reach this mark. Forbes’ real-time billionaire index recorded the value at $500.1 billion around 5:15 PM Brasília time, driven by the rising stock prices of his companies. Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX, remains the world’s richest person, holding a roughly $150 billion lead over second-placed Larry Ellison of Oracle.
A nearly 4% rise in Tesla’s stock on the day directly boosted Musk’s fortune. He owns over 12% of the electric vehicle company, representing a significant portion of his total wealth.
Tesla’s contribution to wealth
Musk’s stake in Tesla accounts for $191 billion of his net worth. The company’s shares have risen over 14% in 2025, despite challenges like declining vehicle sales.
Tesla’s board recently proposed a compensation package for Musk worth up to $1 trillion, tied to ambitious performance targets like market value expansion.
SpaceX’s role in wealth growth
SpaceX, valued at $400 billion after recent private offerings, contributes $168 billion to Musk’s fortune through his 42% stake. The company leads the reusable space launch sector.
Initiatives like Mars missions and government contracts sustain the company’s valuation.
Other companies in Musk’s portfolio
xAI, integrated with X and focused on artificial intelligence, represents $60 billion of his wealth, with recent valuations boosted by mergers and investments. Musk founded the startup to compete in the AI sector.
He also controls ventures like Neuralink and The Boring Company, adding diversification to his empire.
- Tesla’s value: $1.42 trillion in market capitalization.
- SpaceX: Focus on reusable rockets and space exploration.
- xAI: AI advancements with an initial post-merger valuation of around $113 billion.
History of financial milestones
Musk surpassed $400 billion in December 2024, cementing a rapid growth trajectory since 2020. His wealth has fluctuated with market changes but recovered through technological innovation.
He sold his first game at age 12 and founded multiple companies, including PayPal initially.
This trajectory reflects investments in sectors like electric automotive, aerospace, and AI, with majority stakes in each.
Position in global wealth ranking
Larry Ellison remains the second richest with $350.7 billion, while other tech billionaires trail further behind. Forbes’ index updates values in real-time based on stocks and private valuations.
Musk, born in South Africa, expanded his businesses in the United States, influencing global markets.
