In a landmark financial achievement, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has become the first person in history to surpass a net worth of $800 billion. This historic milestone follows the groundbreaking merger between his rocket company SpaceX and his artificial intelligence venture xAI.
Record-Breaking Merger Creates Trillion-Dollar Entity
According to Forbes, the merger between SpaceX and xAI has created a combined entity valued at an astonishing $1.25 trillion. This strategic consolidation has significantly boosted Musk's personal fortune by $84 billion, elevating his total net worth to a staggering $852 billion.
Restructured Holdings and Increased Stake
The merger has fundamentally restructured Elon Musk's business holdings. He now commands a 43% stake in the newly combined company, which is estimated to be worth approximately $542 billion. Prior to this acquisition, Musk held a 42% stake in SpaceX valued at around $336 billion and a 49% stake in xAI worth $122 billion.
With SpaceX absorbing xAI, the aerospace manufacturer has emerged as Musk's most valuable asset, surpassing his other significant holdings. This consolidation represents a strategic alignment of his space exploration and artificial intelligence ventures.
Tesla Remains Significant Wealth Contributor
Despite the SpaceX-xAI merger, Tesla continues to be a major contributor to Elon Musk's wealth portfolio. Musk maintains approximately a 12% stake in the electric vehicle company, currently valued at $178 billion. Additionally, he holds stock options worth another $124 billion.
These figures do not include the record-breaking compensation package approved by Tesla shareholders in November. This ambitious agreement could potentially grant Musk up to $1 trillion in additional stock if Tesla achieves its ambitious 'Mars shot' milestones, including an eightfold increase in market capitalization over the coming decade.
Second Major Merger in Less Than a Year
This represents the second significant merger involving Elon Musk's companies within a twelve-month period. In March of last year, Musk combined xAI with his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. That transaction valued xAI at $80 billion and X at $33 billion.
The dual role of Musk as both buyer and seller in these transactions has raised questions about valuation transparency. However, with SpaceX expected to go public later this year, the market will soon provide its own assessment of these valuations.
Metoric Wealth Accumulation Timeline
Elon Musk's ascent to unprecedented wealth levels has occurred with remarkable speed over recent months:
- October 2025: Became the first person to reach a $500 billion net worth after leaving President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency to refocus on Tesla.
- December 15: Achieved the $600 billion milestone following SpaceX's valuation jump to $800 billion.
- December 19: Crossed the $700 billion threshold after the Delaware Supreme Court reinstated his Tesla stock options.
- February 2026: Surpassed $800 billion, primarily due to the SpaceX-xAI merger.
This rapid succession of financial milestones underscores the extraordinary growth trajectory of Musk's business empire and personal wealth over a remarkably short timeframe.
