Elon Musk becomes first person ever to reach Sh77.5 trillion net worth
Despite the astronomical numbers, Musk himself has acknowledged in the past that he is effectively “cash poor.”
Elon Musk has officially become the first individual in history to surpass a net worth of $600 billion (Sh77.5 trillion), according to Forbes.
The tech billionaire’s wealth, largely tied to his stake in SpaceX and Tesla, has skyrocketed in recent years, setting up a new benchmark for private fortunes.
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Unlike the everyday understanding of wealth, Musk’s net worth is not a stack of cash sitting in a bank.
Instead, it is largely paper wealth derived from his stakes in high-value companies. Forbes estimates that Musk owns roughly 42 per cent of SpaceX, which recent valuations place near $800 billion, and about 12 per cent of Tesla, both of which form the backbone of his fortune.
Other ventures, including Neuralink, The Boring Company, and AI startup xAI, add smaller but meaningful contributions to his financial empire.
Despite the astronomical numbers, Musk himself has acknowledged in the past that he is effectively “cash poor.”
The bulk of his wealth exists as stock or company equity rather than liquid funds.
Turning this paper wealth into spendable cash would require selling shares or leveraging assets, meaning the $600 billion figure is a reflection of market value, not a bank balance.
From $500 Billion to $600 Billion
Musk’s climb past the $600 billion(Sh 77.5 trillion) mark follows a rapid trajectory. Earlier in 2025, he became the first person to surpass $500 billion, fueled primarily by soaring SpaceX valuations and Tesla stock performance.
Analysts say that potential events like a SpaceX IPO in 2026 could push his fortune even higher, possibly redefining the ceiling for individual wealth yet again.
Financial experts note that Musk’s milestone is less about accessible riches and more about the immense value tied to the companies he controls.
“For someone like Musk, net worth is about ownership and potential, not cash in hand,” a Forbes analyst said.
This distinction is crucial for understanding why headlines proclaiming his $600 billion fortune do not imply he could spend that sum freely.
Even at such unprecedented levels, Musk continues to live a relatively modest lifestyle compared to his net worth. His approach underscores a reality of modern ultra-wealth.
Wealth in the 21st century is increasingly intangible, tied to shares, stock options, and company valuations rather than vaults of currency. He now holds a lead of over $400 billion ahead of the world’s second richest person, Google cofounder Larry Page.
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