The world’s richest person, Elon Musk, now has a net worth exceeding the combined GDP of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. In just four days, Musk’s wealth surged by $150 billion (₹13.46 lakh crore), briefly crossing $750 billion (₹67.18 lakh crore). The combined GDP of the three countries is estimated at around $555 billion.
Musk is the first individual in history to reach such a staggering level of personal wealth. Earlier, on December 16, his net worth stood at $600 billion (₹54 lakh crore). This dramatic rise followed a key ruling by the Delaware Supreme Court, which significantly enhanced Musk’s Tesla compensation package.
According to the Forbes Billionaires Index, Musk’s current net worth is estimated at $649 billion. This amount is equivalent to the combined wealth of India’s top 40 richest individuals. Remarkably, Musk’s fortune also exceeds the combined wealth of the world’s next richest tech billionaires—Larry Page ($252.6 billion), Larry Ellison ($242.7 billion), and Jeff Bezos ($239.4 billion).
Three Major Reasons Behind Musk’s Wealth Surge
1. Restoration of Tesla’s $56 Billion Pay Package
In 2018, Tesla awarded Musk a $56 billion stock-option compensation package. A lower court cancelled it in 2024, but in December 2025, the Delaware Supreme Court reinstated the package. Due to Tesla’s rising valuation, the package is now worth an estimated $139 billion. This decision triggered the single largest jump in Musk’s wealth, pushing it beyond $700 billion for the first time.
2. SpaceX Valuation Touches $800 Billion
According to Reuters, an internal share sale recently valued SpaceX at $800 billion. Musk owns about 42% of the company. If SpaceX eventually lists on US stock exchanges at this valuation, Musk’s stake alone could be worth more than $336 billion.
3. Tesla Share Price Rise and New $1 Trillion Pay Package
Tesla’s rising share price, combined with shareholder approval of Musk’s new $1 trillion pay package in November 2025, further boosted his wealth. More than $340 billion was added to Musk’s net worth in 2025 alone. Musk holds around a 12% stake in Tesla, meaning any increase in share price directly raises his personal wealth.
Elon Musk’s Net Worth Increased 75 Times in 10 Years
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $10.70 billion (₹94,800 crore) |
| 2017 | $13.90 billion (₹1.23 lakh crore) |
| 2018 | $19.90 billion (₹1.76 lakh crore) |
| 2019 | $22.30 billion (₹1.97 lakh crore) |
| 2020 | $24.60 billion (₹2.18 lakh crore) |
| 2021 | $151.00 billion (₹13.38 lakh crore) |
| 2022 | $219.00 billion (₹19.41 lakh crore) |
| 2023 | $180.00 billion (₹15.96 lakh crore) |
| 2024 | $195.00 billion (₹17.29 lakh crore) |
| 2025 | $500.00 billion (₹43.99 lakh crore) |
| 2025 (Dec) | $750.00 billion (₹67 lakh crore) |
Source: Forbes, December 2025
Role of Tesla and xAI
Tesla:
Apart from SpaceX, Tesla remains a major contributor to Musk’s fortune. In 2025, Tesla shares have climbed 13%. On Monday, shares rose nearly 4% after Musk announced that Tesla was testing robotaxis without a safety monitor in the front passenger seat. Musk’s Tesla stake is currently valued at approximately $197 billion.
xAI:
Musk’s artificial intelligence startup, xAI, is reportedly in advanced talks to raise $15 billion in new funding at a valuation of $230 billion, further adding to his growing wealth portfolio.
From a Teenage Game Developer to Global Tycoon
Elon Musk began his entrepreneurial journey at a young age. He learned computer programming at 10 and created a video game called Blastar at just 12 years old, selling it to a local magazine for $500—his first business success.
In 1995, Musk co-founded web software company Zip2, which was acquired by Compaq in 1999 for $307 million. Musk earned $22 million from his 7% stake. He went on to found PayPal in 1999, which was acquired by eBay in 2002 for $1.5 billion, earning Musk $180 million.
Soon after, Musk founded SpaceX with the ambition of making humanity a multi-planetary species by establishing a colony on Mars—a vision that continues to shape his business empire today.