Elon Musk

News tagged with "Elon Musk"

Elon Musk, born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa, is a globally recognized entrepreneur and innovator. Raised in a wealthy family, Musk faced challenges, including a difficult relationship with his father and bullying during his childhood. His early fascination with computers led him to teach himself coding, creating a video game called Blastar at age 12, which he sold for $500. After moving to Canada at 17 to avoid mandatory military service, Musk studied at Queen’s University and later earned degrees in physics and economics from the University of Pennsylvania. His entrepreneurial journey began when he dropped out of Stanford University’s physics graduate program after two days to pursue business ventures.

In 1995, Musk co-founded Zip2, a software company providing online city guides, which was sold to Compaq for $307 million in 1999. He then founded X.com, an online payment platform that merged with Confinity to become PayPal, acquired by eBay for $1.5 billion in 2002. These early successes provided the capital for Musk’s ambitious future endeavors.

Revolutionizing Industries with SpaceX and Tesla

In 2002, Musk founded SpaceX with the mission to reduce space travel costs and enable human colonization of Mars. The company achieved milestones with the Falcon 1, the first privately developed rocket to reach orbit, and the Falcon 9, known for its reusable design. SpaceX’s Starlink network now provides global broadband, with over 6,000 satellites in operation. Musk’s role as CEO and chief designer has driven innovations like the Starship system, aimed at interplanetary travel.

Musk joined Tesla Motors in 2004 as a major investor and later became CEO, transforming the electric vehicle industry. The Tesla Roadster, launched in 2008, redefined electric cars with its 245-mile range and high performance. Models like the Model S, Model X, and Model 3 have since made Tesla a leader in sustainable transportation, with the Model 3 becoming the best-selling electric car globally. Tesla’s advancements in battery technology and autonomous driving further showcase Musk’s vision for a sustainable future.

Expanding Horizons: Neuralink, The Boring Company, and X

Musk’s ventures extend beyond automotive and aerospace. In 2016, he co-founded Neuralink to develop brain-computer interfaces, with early trials showing promise for medical applications. The Boring Company, founded in 2016, aims to revolutionize urban transportation through tunnel networks, with projects like the Vegas Loop underway. In 2022, Musk acquired Twitter for $44 billion, rebranding it as X in 2023 to create a platform for free expression and innovation, though the move sparked debates over content moderation.

Controversies and Public Persona

Musk’s outspoken nature and unconventional decisions have made him a polarizing figure. His comments on social issues, politics, and public health have drawn criticism, including accusations of promoting misinformation. His acquisition of X led to concerns about increased hate speech, causing some advertisers to pull back. Musk’s brief role in 2025 as an advisor to the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump stirred controversy, particularly after public disputes over policy and his eventual resignation to focus on his companies.

Personal Life and Legacy

Musk is a father of 14 children with four women, including author Justine Wilson, singer Grimes, and Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis. His personal life, marked by high-profile relationships and unique naming choices for his children, often garners media attention. Despite controversies, Musk’s net worth, estimated at $424.7 billion in 2025, makes him the world’s richest person. His companies continue to push technological boundaries, from AI development at xAI to reusable rockets at SpaceX.

Impact on Technology and Society

Elon Musk’s relentless drive and vision have reshaped industries and inspired global innovation. His work with Tesla and SpaceX addresses critical challenges like climate change and space exploration, while Neuralink and The Boring Company explore new frontiers in human capability and infrastructure. Despite his polarizing persona, Musk’s contributions to technology and sustainability are undeniable, cementing his legacy as a transformative figure in the 21st century.