History was made this week as Elon Musk became the first individual to amass a personal fortune of $500 billion. This unprecedented figure, which later settled at $499 billion, places the Tesla CEO in a financial realm never before occupied by any single person, marking a new chapter in the history of wealth.
The scale of his fortune is difficult to comprehend. It is primarily derived from his 12% ownership in Tesla, the electric car company that has redefined the automotive industry and now boasts a market capitalization of over $1.5 trillion. A 13% rise in Tesla’s stock price since the start of 2025 is the direct cause of this historic wealth milestone.
The company’s performance continues to defy expectations. On Thursday, it reported delivering 497,099 vehicles in the third quarter, a result that significantly surpassed analyst predictions. This operational excellence underpins the investor confidence that has sent its stock, and Musk’s net worth, soaring.
Beyond Tesla, his portfolio of futuristic companies adds to his immense wealth. SpaceX, his private aerospace firm, is a dominant force in its industry and is reportedly seeking a valuation of $400 billion. His newer venture, xAI, is already turning heads with a $75 billion valuation, demonstrating his continued ability to create colossal value.
While his position at the top has occasionally been challenged, such as when Larry Ellison briefly overtook him in September, this latest surge places him far ahead of all contemporaries. Musk is not just the richest man alive; he is now, by a significant measure, the richest person to have ever lived.