Catch Me If You Can: Tesla CEO and SpaceX founder Elon Musk has achieved yet another milestone in his storied career, cementing his status as one of the wealthiest individuals in history. Musk’s total net worth soared to an astounding $447 billion on Wednesday, making him the first billionaire ever to cross the $400 billion threshold, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index.
This staggering fortune represents 1.5% of the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), paralleling the wealth of oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller, who was worth $1.4 billion (also 1.5% of GDP at the time) when he passed away in 1937. Musk now finds himself on the same historical pedestal as Rockefeller, an icon of unparalleled economic influence.
Tesla: The Crown Jewel of Musk’s Empire
Musk’s wealth surged by $62.8 billion in a single day, fueled by a 5.9% jump in Tesla stock—its best one-day performance since November 11. Year-to-date, Musk’s net worth has grown by an eye-watering $218 billion, a feat unmatched by any other billionaire in 2024.
Tesla’s stock, which has risen nearly 70% this year, continues to benefit from renewed enthusiasm for the “Magnificent Seven” big tech stocks. The company’s future looks even brighter, with Wedbush analysts predicting that Tesla could reach a $2 trillion market cap by the end of 2025. They attribute this potential growth to Tesla’s advancements in Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, autonomous vehicles, and the anticipated launch of the Cybercab in early 2026.
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives emphasized, “The autonomous story at Tesla alone is worth $1 trillion. In a bullish scenario, Tesla could achieve the $2 trillion market cap threshold, making it an unstoppable force in the tech and automotive industries.”
SpaceX: Reaching for the Stars
Adding to Musk’s staggering wealth is SpaceX, the most valuable private startup in the world, with an estimated valuation of $350 billion based on private share sales. The company’s groundbreaking achievements in space exploration and satellite technology have not only revolutionized the industry but also significantly boosted Musk’s financial empire.
Diversified Wealth: Beyond Tesla and SpaceX
Musk’s wealth is diversified across multiple ventures:
- $175 billion comes from Tesla.
- $136 billion stems from SpaceX.
- $25 billion is tied to his artificial intelligence startup, xAI, which has doubled its valuation to $50 billion since the spring, according to The Wall Street Journal.
A Legacy in the Making
Musk’s wealth and achievements solidify his position as not just a billionaire but a visionary shaping industries from transportation and energy to artificial intelligence and space exploration. His ability to juggle multiple groundbreaking ventures has drawn comparisons to historical titans like Rockefeller, proving that Musk’s influence reaches far beyond the balance sheets.
With Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI thriving under his leadership, Musk’s journey is far from over. The billionaire is redefining wealth, innovation, and global impact in the 21st century—setting a new standard for what it means to be “Rockefeller rich.”
