In a historic financial milestone, tech magnate Elon Musk has become the first person globally to achieve a net worth of $600 billion. This staggering surge, reported by Forbes on Monday, is primarily fueled by the skyrocketing valuation of his private aerospace company, SpaceX.
The SpaceX Factor: A $168 Billion Leap
According to Forbes, citing two investors familiar with the matter, Musk's net worth witnessed an unprecedented single-day jump of $168 billion. This explosive growth is directly linked to reports that SpaceX is moving towards a public offering with a potential valuation of $800 billion. A tender issued earlier this month set this monumental valuation for the rocket startup.
Elon Musk owns an estimated 42% stake in SpaceX. Based on the $800 billion valuation, this stake alone would be worth approximately $336 billion, significantly bolstering his overall fortune. As of 12 pm ET on Monday, Forbes estimated his total net worth at around $677 billion.
Beyond SpaceX: Tesla and AI Ventures Add Billions
While SpaceX is the primary engine of this wealth explosion, Musk's other ventures are also contributing significantly. His roughly 12% stake in Tesla remains a colossal asset. Despite lagging sales, Tesla's stock has risen by 13% in 2025 so far. Shares gained nearly 4% on Monday after Musk announced tests of robotaxis without front-seat safety monitors. His Tesla stake is now valued at around $197 billion, excluding stock options.
Furthermore, Musk's artificial intelligence startup, xAI, is in advanced talks to raise $15 billion at a valuation of $230 billion, as per a Reuters report. This indicates that his wealth may continue its upward trajectory from multiple fronts.
The Road to a Trillion and an Unprecedented Rise
The anticipated SpaceX Initial Public Offering (IPO) is the key to Musk's next potential milestone. If it materializes at the $800 billion valuation, it could propel him to become the world's first trillionaire. Even at a lower valuation, his SpaceX holding is now his most valuable asset.
Elon Musk's wealth accumulation over the past five years has been nothing short of meteoric:
- March 2020: $24.6 billion
- August 2020: Crossed $100 billion
- January 2021: Became world's richest with ~$190 billion
- September 2021: Reached $300 billion
- December 2024: Touched $400 billion
- October 2024: Surpassed $500 billion (first person ever)
- March 2025: Hits $600 billion
This relentless rise is backed by investor confidence in his vision, exemplified by Tesla shareholders approving a historic $1 trillion pay plan for him in November, endorsing his strategy to transform the EV maker into an AI and robotics leader.
