Elon Musk becomes the world’s richest with a $500 billion net worth; here’s how he built his venture…

Tesla, the global leader in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy, is Musk’s primary wealth generator.
Ownership stake: Musk owns 13% of Tesla, making it his largest financial asset.
Stock options: He holds an additional 304 million exercisable stock options, granted as part of a 2018 compensation package. These options substantially amplify his ownership value and potential gains.

Market leadership: Tesla’s innovations, such as cutting-edge battery technologies, autonomous driving systems, and sustainable energy solutions, have solidified its position as the most valuable carmaker in the world. The company’s market dominance and Musk’s ability to drive Tesla’s growth have been critical in boosting his net worth.

SpaceX, Musk’s private aerospace company, represents a major component of his wealth and entrepreneurial ambitions.
Ownership structure: Musk controls 42% of SpaceX through a trust, securing a dominant stake in the company.
Valuation: As of December 2024, SpaceX is valued at $350 billion, making it a cornerstone of Musk’s financial empire.
Strategic importance: SpaceX’s success lies in its development of reusable rocket technology and its role as NASA’s contractor for resupplying the International Space Station (ISS). Beyond government contracts, the company is advancing commercial space travel and interplanetary exploration, aligning with Musk’s vision of colonizing Mars.

X Corp: A risky betMusk’s acquisition of Twitter, now rebranded as X Corp, demonstrates both his boldness and the risks inherent in his ventures.
Ownership stake: Musk owns 79% of X Corp, following his $44 billion acquisition in 2022.
Valuation decline: Since its purchase, X Corp’s value has dropped by approximately 72%, based on Fidelity’s October 2024 filings.
Challenges: The platform’s financial struggles highlight the difficulty of transforming it into an “everything app.”
Despite setbacks, Musk’s plans for X remain ambitious, including integrating payments, communication, and other services into the platform.