Elon Musk has become a figure shrouded in controversy, often grabbing headlines for his bold statements, political stances, and occasionally polarizing moves. With so much media noise, it’s easy to lose sight of what he actually does from day to day. You might be wondering: which companies does Elon Musk really own, and what roles does he play in them?
In this article, we’ll step away from the headlines and explore the key companies Musk founded, funds, and manages. We’ll look at how he got started as an entrepreneur, where he’s invested his time and money, and what he hopes these ventures will achieve—both for humanity and, in some surprising future scenarios, for government.
The Early Days: From Zip2 to Tech Titan
Musk’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1995 when he cofounded Zip2, an online business directory. Though you may know him best for his work with electric cars and space rockets, Musk’s roots stretch back nearly three decades to the birth of the internet age. Since then, he has built an empire across numerous industries: space exploration, green energy, artificial intelligence, and more.
A Peek into the Future
In a twist no one quite expected, it’s rumored that in 2025, Musk will start a new role within the Trump administration, leading the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). While the details remain speculative, this appointment—if it happens—could represent another frontier in Musk’s ever-expanding scope of influence.
Which Companies Has Elon Musk Founded?
Over the years, Musk has launched eight major companies, each with a distinct goal:
- Zip2 (1995)
Musk’s first foray into entrepreneurship was an online directory that helped newspapers offer business listings to their readers. Compaq bought Zip2 in 1999, kickstarting Musk’s fortune. - PayPal (1999)
Musk cofounded what would become one of the world’s most widely used online payment systems. Though he left in 2000, PayPal set the stage for digital finance as we know it today. - SpaceX (2002)
Founded to make space travel accessible and eventually colonize Mars, SpaceX is pioneering reusable rockets and high-profile missions to the International Space Station. Its Starlink satellite network brings internet access to remote areas, redefining the future of communication. - Tesla, Inc. (2004)
Musk joined Tesla to revolutionize the car industry with electric vehicles and sustainable energy products. Named after the inventor Nikola Tesla, the company’s electric cars, solar energy solutions, and battery storage devices are now synonymous with clean tech innovation. - OpenAI (2015)
Musk cofounded OpenAI to develop AI responsibly. Although he’s no longer involved, OpenAI’s breakthroughs include the GPT series of AI models, which have changed how we interact with technology—and with each other—online. - Neuralink (2016)
Merging biology with tech, Neuralink aims to create brain-machine interfaces that could help treat neurological conditions and eventually enhance human cognition through AI. - The Boring Company (2016)
What began as a SpaceX subsidiary soon became its own venture. The Boring Company seeks to solve urban traffic problems by creating underground transit tunnels. Its Vegas Loop is a step toward more efficient city infrastructure. - xAI (2023)
As Musk’s latest AI venture, xAI launched alongside X Corp. and provides cutting-edge AI chatbot models, made available to subscribers of X (formerly Twitter).
Which Companies Does Elon Musk Own?
Musk’s ownership stakes vary. He doesn’t fully own any of his major companies, but some he controls more closely than others:
- The Boring Company
Musk owns over 90% of The Boring Company, making it the venture he’s closest to fully controlling. - X Corp. (formerly Twitter)
After buying Twitter in 2022 for $44 billion and renaming it X, Musk now owns 79% of X Corp. This acquisition influenced changes in platform policies, operations, and online discourse. - xAI
Musk holds about 54% of xAI, shaping its strategic direction and product development. - SpaceX
With roughly 42% equity and 79% voting control, Musk has significant influence over SpaceX, driving its ambitious space exploration plans. - Neuralink
Musk is a majority owner, though he cofounded Neuralink with several partners. As of 2022, only he and one cofounder remain involved. - Tesla, Inc.
Tesla is publicly traded, and Musk, holding around 13–15% of its stock, is its largest individual shareholder, wielding substantial influence despite not having majority ownership.
Which Companies Does Elon Musk Run?
Musk’s level of hands-on involvement varies. Sometimes he is deeply embedded in a company’s day-to-day operations; in other cases, he focuses on big-picture strategy.
- Tesla, Inc.
As CEO and product architect, Musk guides vehicle development, sustainable energy solutions, and visionary products like the Cybertruck and Solar Roof. - SpaceX
At SpaceX, Musk is CEO and chief engineer, overseeing everything from rocket design to mission planning. - The Boring Company
While managers handle daily tasks, Musk sets strategic goals, promoting the vision of a future with efficient underground transport. - X Corp.
Though Linda Yaccarino stepped in as CEO in 2023, Musk remains executive chairman and CTO, influencing technology decisions and the company’s overall direction. - xAI
As CEO, Musk leads xAI’s leadership team and shapes its approach to AI development.
Beyond the Boardroom: The Musk Foundation
Musk and his brother Kimbal also run the Musk Foundation, a philanthropic effort rather than a traditional business. The foundation focuses on renewable energy research, pediatric health, education, and human space exploration advocacy.
In a world where the conversation around Elon Musk often revolves around his public persona and political commentary, it’s worth taking a closer look at the enterprises he founded, owns, and leads. From space rockets to artificial intelligence and electric cars, Musk’s day-to-day involves a host of challenges and innovations that could shape the future of humanity—on Earth, on Mars, and, perhaps, even in the halls of government.
