Elon Musk Becomes First Individual to Reach $700 Billion Fortune

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has created history by becoming the first individual in the world to surpass a net worth of $700 billion. According to the Forbes Billionaires Index, Musk’s fortune surged to an estimated $749 billion after a landmark ruling by the Delaware Supreme Court reinstated a massive Tesla stock options package.

Delaware Supreme Court Reverses the Decision

• On December 20, 2025, the Delaware Supreme Court overturned the earlier ruling stating that the rescission of the compensation package was improper and inequitable.
• With the decision reversed, Tesla stock options worth $139 billion were fully reinstated.
• As a result, Forbes removed the valuation discount, instantly adding nearly $70 billion to Musk’s personal wealth and pushing his net worth well beyond the $700 billion mark.

Tesla Once Again Musk’s Biggest Asset

• With the restored stock options Tesla has returned as Musk’s most valuable asset.
• He owns about 12 per cent of Tesla’s common stock, currently valued at approximately $199 billion.
• When combined with the reinstated stock options, Musk’s total holdings in Tesla are estimated at around $338 billion, highlighting how closely his personal wealth remains tied to the electric vehicle giant’s performance.

SpaceX and the Second Pillar of Wealth

• Musk’s second-largest asset is his stake in SpaceX.
• He owns an estimated 42 per cent of the private aerospace firm, which was recently valued at around $800 billion during a private tender offer.
• This places Musk’s SpaceX stake at roughly $336 billion.
• Reports suggest SpaceX could explore an initial public offering (IPO) as early as 2026, which could further reshape the global wealth rankings.

A Gap Like Never Before

• Musk’s $749 billion fortune now exceeds that of Larry Page, the world’s second-richest person, by nearly $500 billion, according to Forbes.
• This unprecedented gap underscores the extraordinary concentration of wealth driven by ownership in high growth technology and space companies, especially those that remain founder-led.

Key Takeaways

• Elon Musk became the first person to cross $700 billion net worth.
• His fortune surged to $749 billion, according to Forbes.
• The rise followed a Delaware Supreme Court ruling reinstating Tesla stock options worth $139 billion.
• Tesla remains Musk’s biggest asset, followed closely by SpaceX.
• Musk’s wealth exceeds that of the world’s second-richest person by nearly $500 billion.

Question

Q. Elon Musk became the first individual in the world to surpass a net worth of:

A. $500 billion
B. $600 billion
C. $700 billion
D. $800 billion