7 Must-Know Facts About Elon Musk's Extraordinary Life
Elon Musk, 2022. Photo by Justin Pacheco. Public domain.
Elon Musk is a name that most people know, especially due to his ventures with Tesla®, SpaceX®, and Twitter® (now X). However, there are many interesting facts about him that might surprise even the most dedicated fans. From his early life to his unconventional business practices, here are seven things you may not have known about the boundary-pushing billionaire entrepreneur.
1. He's a Self-Taught Programmer
Musk's early talents were evident at a young age. At just 12 years old, he taught himself how to program and created a video game called "Blastar." He sold the game to a computer magazine for $500 — an impressive achievement for a kid his age. This early experience sparked his entrepreneurial spirit, setting him on a path to disrupt multiple industries.
2. He Almost Became a Physicist
Although Musk is known for his ventures in technology and business, he originally had a passion for physics. After completing two degrees — one in economics and the other in physics — at the University of Pennsylvania, Musk enrolled at Stanford University for graduate studies. However, he left after just two days, feeling that the potential of the internet was far greater and more immediate than a career in physics. This decision led him to co-found Zip2, a company that provided business directories and maps for newspapers, which was sold for $307 million, marking the beginning of his rise to success.
3. He Was Part of the 'PayPal® Mafia'
Before SpaceX and Tesla, Musk co-founded X.com, which later became PayPal. PayPal revolutionized online payments and was acquired by eBay for $1.5 billion in 2002. Musk's 11.7% stake in the company earned him $180 million after taxes. This sale didn't just make Musk a wealthy man — it also helped create a network of tech entrepreneurs. The "PayPal Mafia" includes notable figures such as Peter Thiel (co-founder of Palantir) and Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn), who have gone on to launch or invest in other successful ventures.
4. He Changed the Electric Vehicle Industry
Musk didn't just join Tesla, he helped redefine what electric cars could be. When he became the CEO of Tesla in 2008, the company's future was uncertain. But under his leadership, Tesla introduced the Model S, a luxury sedan that became a game-changer in the auto industry. Known for its performance, safety, and range, the Model S set a new standard for electric vehicles. Since then, Tesla has continued to lead the charge in electric mobility, with innovations like the Model 3 and the instantly recognizable Cybertruck®.
5. He Has 11 Children
Elon Musk is a father to 11 children from different relationships. He has six children with his ex-wife Justine Wilson, including twins and a set of triplets. Their first child, Nevada, tragically passed away as an infant. Musk later welcomed three children with musician Grimes, and three more with tech executive Shivon Zilis. His children, though often kept out of the public eye, are an important part of his life.
6. He's the Richest Man in the World
As of October 2024, Elon Musk holds the title of the richest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of $263 billion, according to Bloomberg. Musk's wealth comes primarily from his stake in Tesla, which is valued at over $100 billion, but his portfolio also includes significant investments in SpaceX, Twitter (now X), and other ventures. He is roughly $54 billion ahead of Amazon® founder Jeff Bezos, the second richest person in the world.
7. He's Venturing Into Government
In 2024, Musk expanded his influence into government. President-elect Donald Trump announced that Musk would help lead a new "Department of Government Efficiency" as part of his second administration. Musk's role would be to work alongside other figures, including entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, to help streamline and optimize U.S. government functions. The announcement signals Musk's growing involvement in public policy and his desire to shape national governance through his expertise in technology and business.
Elon Musk's journey has been full of unexpected twists and turns. From a teenage programmer to the CEO of some of the most innovative companies in the world, Musk has consistently defied expectations. Whether you admire or criticize him, there's no denying that his influence on technology, business, and even space exploration is monumental.
References: Elon Musk Fast Facts | Elon Musk | Elon Musk in 2024: What to know about the world’s richest person | Tesla Autopilot | Who are Elon Musk's 12 children?
