Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc, has added $19 billion to his wealth, thanks to a stock rally that pushed his net worth to a staggering $385 billion. This surge in wealth has solidified Musk’s position as the world’s richest man, with his net worth now exceeding twice that of his rival, Bill Gates.
What’s Behind the Surge in Musk’s Wealth?
The recent rollout of robotaxi vehicles in Texas as part of a test for autonomous vehicles has contributed to the spike in Tesla’s stock. This development has not only boosted Musk’s wealth but also highlighted his company’s innovative endeavors in the automotive and technology sectors.
Musk vs. Gates: A Tale of Two Billionaires
With a net worth of $176 billion, Bill Gates is currently the fifth-richest person in the world. While Gates has added $17.4 billion to his wealth in 2025, Musk’s wealth remains down $47.5 billion, despite Tesla’s stock being down around 10% year-to-date. The significant difference in their net worth is a testament to Musk’s aggressive business strategies and innovative vision.
The Rivalry Between Musk and Gates
The rivalry between Musk and Gates is not just about their net worth; it’s also about their differing views on various issues, including climate change and philanthropy. Gates has praised Musk for his work on electric vehicles but has criticized Tesla’s other clean energy initiatives. Musk, on the other hand, has been vocal about Gates’ short position on Tesla stock, which he believes undermines Gates’ philanthropic efforts on climate change.
Leaked Texts Reveal Tension Between Musk and Gates
In 2022, leaked texts between Musk and Gates revealed that Gates was still shorting Tesla stock. Musk confronted Gates about his short position, saying that he couldn’t take Gates’ philanthropy on climate change seriously while he was betting against the company doing the most to solve climate change. The tension between the two billionaires is a reminder that the world of high-stakes business and philanthropy is often marked by conflicting interests and ideologies.
What’s Next for Musk and Tesla?
As Tesla continues to innovate and push the boundaries of autonomous vehicles, Musk’s wealth is likely to remain a topic of interest. With a current valuation of around $1.1 trillion, Tesla’s stock is likely to remain volatile, and Musk’s net worth will continue to fluctuate. One thing is certain, however: Elon Musk’s influence on the business world and his innovative spirit will continue to shape the future of technology and entrepreneurship.
Key Takeaways
- Elon Musk’s net worth has surpassed twice that of Bill Gates, reaching $385 billion.
- The rollout of robotaxi vehicles in Texas has contributed to the surge in Tesla’s stock.
- The rivalry between Musk and Gates is not just about their net worth but also about their differing views on climate change and philanthropy.
- Leaked texts have revealed tension between Musk and Gates over Gates’ short position on Tesla stock.