Elon Musk: Life, Wealth, Family, and Global Influence (2025)
Elon Musk is a South African-born American entrepreneur and one of the most influential figures of the 21st century. He is known for building companies that focus on electric vehicles, space travel, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms. By 2025, his role expanded beyond business into government reform and advanced AI development, making him a global power figure.
Early Life and Education
Elon Musk was born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa. From an early age, he showed a strong interest in science and computers. At the age of 12, he created and sold a video game, showing his early talent for technology and innovation.
He moved to Canada at 17 and later went to the United States to continue his education.
Education Background
| Level | Institution | Field |
|---|---|---|
| Early Study | University of Pretoria | Brief attendance |
| Undergraduate | University of Pennsylvania | Economics and Physics |
Rise to Wealth and Global Status
By December 2025, Elon Musk is reported as the wealthiest person in the world. His wealth has changed rapidly due to stock prices, company growth, and large compensation agreements linked to company performance.
Net Worth Overview (2025)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $749 billion |
| Main Wealth Sources | Tesla and SpaceX |
| Tesla Ownership | About 12 percent |
| SpaceX Ownership | About 42 percent |
| Major Event | $1 trillion Tesla pay package over 10 years |
| SpaceX Valuation | Close to $800 billion |
Family and Personal Life
Elon Musk’s personal life has drawn wide public attention. He has been married three times, including two marriages to the same person, and has children with multiple partners. His family life is often discussed because of its size and unique details.
Partners and Marriages
| Partner | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Justine Wilson | Wife from 2000 to 2008 |
| Talulah Riley | Wife from 2010–2012 and 2013–2016 |
| Grimes | Long-term partner |
| Shivon Zilis | Partner |
| Ashley St. Clair | Partner |
Children
Elon Musk has 14 known children. Some of their names have gained attention for being unusual and modern.
Children Breakdown
| Partner | Children |
|---|---|
| Justine Wilson | Nevada (deceased), Griffin, Vivian, Kai, Saxon, Damian |
| Grimes | X Æ A-Xii (X), Exa Dark Sideræl (Y), Techno Mechanicus (Tau) |
| Shivon Zilis | Strider, Azure, Arcadia, Seldon Lycurgus |
| Ashley St. Clair | Romulus |
The Musk Business Empire
Elon Musk controls and leads several powerful companies that focus on solving major global problems such as climate change, space exploration, and human-computer interaction.
Companies and Roles
| Company | Role | Main Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla | CEO and Technoking | Clean energy, electric vehicles, robotics |
| SpaceX | Founder and CEO | Space travel and Mars missions |
| X | Owner | Global communication platform |
| xAI | Founder and CEO | Advanced artificial intelligence research |
| Neuralink | Co-founder | Brain-computer technology |
| The Boring Company | Founder | Underground transport systems |
Artificial Intelligence and xAI
In 2025, Musk’s AI company xAI gained attention through its chatbot Grok. The goal of xAI is to develop artificial intelligence that understands reality and provides honest answers. Musk supports AI development but also warns about its risks if not properly controlled.
Government Role: Department of Government Efficiency
After the 2024 US Presidential Election, Elon Musk was appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE. The department aimed to reduce government spending and improve efficiency.
Government Role Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointed By | President Donald Trump |
| Main Goal | Reduce federal spending |
| Reported Outcome | Around 200,000 federal jobs reduced |
| Status | Musk stepped back in late 2025 |
SpaceX IPO Speculation
By late 2025, there was strong market speculation about a possible SpaceX public listing. Although no official confirmation was made, SpaceX’s internal valuation placed it among the most valuable private companies in history.
Leadership Style and Public Image
Elon Musk is known for his direct communication, long working hours, bold decisions, and strong presence on social media. Some people admire him as a visionary leader, while others criticize his unpredictable behavior. Despite mixed opinions, his influence on technology and society is undeniable.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s journey from a young programmer in South Africa to one of the world’s most powerful and wealthy individuals is remarkable. By 2025, his impact will cover space, energy, artificial intelligence, transportation, and government reform. His actions continue to shape the future of technology and global innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Elon Musk?
Elon Musk is a South African-born American entrepreneur and business leader. He is known for creating and leading major companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, and for working on advanced technology, space exploration, and artificial intelligence.
Why is Elon Musk famous?
Elon Musk is famous for building electric car company Tesla, launching reusable rockets through SpaceX, and pushing new ideas in artificial intelligence, space travel, and clean energy. He is also known for his bold opinions and public presence.
What is Elon Musk’s net worth in 2025?
As of late 2025, Elon Musk’s estimated net worth is around $749 billion, making him the wealthiest person in the world according to reported estimates. His wealth mainly comes from Tesla and SpaceX.
How many children does Elon Musk have?
Elon Musk has 14 known children with different partners. Some of his children have unique and modern names, which have attracted public attention.
Which companies does Elon Musk own or lead?
Elon Musk leads or owns several companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, X (formerly Twitter), xAI, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. Each company focuses on solving major global problems.
What was Elon Musk’s role in the US government?
After the 2024 US Presidential Election, Elon Musk was appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His role focused on reducing government spending, and he stepped back from the position in late 2025.
What is Elon Musk’s vision for the future?
Elon Musk wants to make life multi-planetary through SpaceX, reduce climate change with clean energy at Tesla, and develop advanced but safe artificial intelligence through xAI. His goal is to shape a better future for humanity.
