Elon Reeve Musk, born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa, is a renowned entrepreneur, engineer, and innovator. His early fascination with technology and computing led him to teach himself programming at the age of 10. By 12, he had created and sold his first video game, "Blastar," showcasing his prodigious talent.
Musk moved to Canada at 17 to attend Queen's University, later transferring to the University of Pennsylvania in the United States. There, he earned dual bachelor's degrees in Physics and Economics. He briefly pursued a Ph.D. in applied physics at Stanford University but dropped out after two days to embark on his entrepreneurial journey.
In 1995, Musk co-founded Zip2, a company that provided online business directories and maps for newspapers. Compaq acquired Zip2 in 1999 for $307 million, marking Musk's first major financial success. That same year, he co-founded X.com, an online payment company that later became PayPal after a merger. eBay acquired PayPal in 2002 for $1.5 billion, further solidifying Musk's reputation as a tech visionary.
Never one to rest on his laurels, Musk founded SpaceX in 2002 with the ambitious goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. Despite early setbacks, SpaceX achieved historic milestones, including the first privately funded spacecraft to reach orbit and the first reusable rocket. Today, SpaceX is a leader in the aerospace industry, working on projects like the Starship and Starlink.
In 2004, Musk joined Tesla Motors (now Tesla, Inc.) as an investor and chairman, eventually becoming its CEO. Under his leadership, Tesla revolutionized the automotive industry with electric vehicles like the Model S, Model 3, and Cybertruck. The company also expanded into solar energy and battery storage solutions, promoting sustainable energy worldwide.
Musk's other ventures include Neuralink, which aims to develop brain-machine interfaces, and The Boring Company, focused on underground transportation systems. His relentless drive to solve humanity's biggest challenges—from climate change to interplanetary colonization—has made him one of the most influential figures of the 21st century.
Beyond business, Musk is known for his bold personality and active presence on social media. His tweets often make headlines, reflecting his unfiltered thoughts on technology, space, and society. Despite controversies, his impact on multiple industries remains undeniable, inspiring countless innovators worldwide.
