Overview

Elon Musk is a South African-born American entrepreneur and businessman known for founding and leading several influential technology companies, including SpaceX, Tesla, and X (formerly Twitter). He is recognized for his pioneering work in electric vehicles, space exploration, and artificial intelligence.

Early Life and Education

Elon Reeve Musk was born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa, to a South African father and a Canadian mother. He was a curious and introverted child with a strong passion for technology and programming, having developed and sold a video game at age 12. Musk attended Pretoria Boys High School and briefly studied at the University of Pretoria before moving to Canada in 1989 to avoid compulsory military service in South Africa. Later, he transferred to the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned degrees in economics and physics.

Career and Achievements

Musk began his entrepreneurial journey by co-founding Zip2, an online city guide software company, which was sold for nearly $350 million. He then co-founded the online payment system PayPal, which eBay acquired in 2002. Using the proceeds, Musk founded SpaceX in 2002, aiming to reduce space transportation costs and enable Mars colonization. At SpaceX, he achieved milestones such as the first privately funded liquid-fueled rocket to reach orbit and reusable rockets. In 2004, he joined Tesla Motors, helping develop the first viable modern electric car, the Tesla Roadster, and advancing the electric vehicle industry significantly. Other ventures include Neuralink, focused on brain-machine interfaces, and the launch of Gigafactory plants for battery and solar energy production.

Personal Life

Musk's personal life has been complex, involving multiple marriages and children. He was married to Justine Wilson, with whom he had several children, including twins and triplets. He later married actress Talulah Riley twice before divorcing. His relationship with musician Grimes resulted in children, and he has additional children with other partners. His personal relationships have been subject to public and media attention.