Elon Musk Becomes World’s First $800 Billion Individual

Global wealth rankings were rewritten in February 2026 as Elon Musk became the first individual on Earth to cross a net worth of USD 800 billion. The surge followed a landmark corporate restructuring involving Musk’s flagship ventures, reinforcing his position as the most influential entrepreneur of the modern era and highlighting the growing convergence of space, artificial intelligence, and capital markets.

SpaceX–xAI Merger Drives Wealth Surge

Musk’s fortune jumped sharply after the merger of SpaceX and xAI, creating a combined entity valued at USD 1.25 trillion. According to Forbes estimates, the deal alone added USD 84 billion to his personal wealth, taking it to approximately USD 852 billion. The restructuring gave Musk a 43 per cent stake in the merged company, now valued at over USD 540 billion, making it the single largest contributor to his net worth.

SpaceX Emerges as Most Valuable Asset

With xAI absorbed into SpaceX, the rocket and satellite company has become Musk’s most precious asset. Prior to the deal, Musk held a 42 per cent stake in SpaceX and a 49 per cent stake in xAI. The consolidation significantly enhanced the strategic and financial weight of SpaceX, positioning it as the core pillar of his empire ahead of electric vehicles, social media, and other technology ventures.

Tesla’s Continued Role in Musk’s Fortune

Despite SpaceX’s dominance, Tesla remains a major source of Musk’s wealth. He owns around 12 per cent of the electric vehicle maker, valued at about USD 178 billion, along with stock options worth an additional USD 124 billion. These figures exclude a shareholder-approved compensation package that could potentially grant Musk stock worth up to USD 1 trillion, contingent on Tesla achieving ambitious long-term market capitalisation targets.

Important Facts for Exams

• Elon Musk crossed USD 800 billion net worth in February 2026.
• The SpaceX–xAI merger created a USD 1.25 trillion combined entity.
• Musk holds a 43 per cent stake in the merged SpaceX-xAI company.
• Tesla stock and options remain a significant component of his wealth.

Series of Milestones and Market Outlook

Musk’s ascent has been marked by rapid milestones, from USD 500 billion in October 2025 to USD 700 billion by December. This is the second major merger involving his companies within a year, following the earlier xAI and X consolidation. With SpaceX expected to pursue a public listing later in 2026, market scrutiny of valuations and governance is set to intensify, potentially shaping the next phase of Musk’s unprecedented wealth trajectory.