SpaceX IPO makes Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire

Elon Musk, the influential entrepreneur behind SpaceX and Tesla, has officially become the world's first trillionaire. This milestone was reached following SpaceX's colossal initial public offering (IPO), which raised a record $75 billion. The IPO highlights significant investor confidence in Musk's ambitious business ventures, despite ongoing public discourse surrounding wealth inequality and the ultra-rich.

Forbes estimates Musk's net worth, primarily derived from his substantial stake in SpaceX valued at approximately $866 billion, will surpass $1.1 trillion once the company's stock begins trading. This figure dwarfs that of the next wealthiest individuals, with the second richest person's net worth hovering around $300 billion. Musk's wealth accumulation has been propelled by the success of both SpaceX and Tesla, alongside his acquisition of the social media platform Twitter in 2022.

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The second richest person has been hovering around $300 billion, so about less than one-third of what Musk can potentially be worth tomorrow.

Musk's public persona, characterized by a "no-filter" style, garners both admiration and criticism. While supporters view his direct approach as part of his appeal, detractors accuse him of wielding excessive power and raise concerns about corporate governance and his increasing political interventions. His involvement in political matters, including a role in a past U.S. government initiative, has been particularly contentious.

Despite these criticisms and past challenges, such as protests and boycotts against Tesla in international markets in 2025, investor enthusiasm for Musk's companies remains exceptionally high. His journey from Pretoria, South Africa, to becoming a global business magnate underscores a remarkable trajectory in innovation and entrepreneurship.

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And only one other person, (Oracle founder) Larry Ellison, has ever been worth $400 billion.