The magnate who transformed five industries: learn about Elon Musk's journey and his impact in 2025

There is a name that dominates conversations about technology, energy, finance, and space exploration: Elon Musk. But what makes this entrepreneur so central to the global debate? Unlike other billionaires who focus on a single sector, Elon Reeve Musk — born in South Africa and naturalized in the USA — built an empire that spans electric mobility, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, aerospace infrastructure, and satellite connectivity. His companies are valued at hundreds of billions of dollars, and each of his communications can move entire markets. For Brazilian investors, understanding who this businessman is and how his operations work is essential to keeping up with global trends.

From Silicon Valley to space exploration: the evolution of a visionary

Elon Musk’s story begins in South Africa, in 1971, in Pretoria. Raised in an environment where engineering and critical thinking were valued — his father was an electromechanical engineer, his mother a nutritionist — he showed early talent for technology. By age 12, he had already programmed and sold his first video game, “Blastar.”

His academic background at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied Economics and Physics simultaneously, prepared him for a unique career: someone capable of understanding both business mechanisms and the most complex scientific challenges. At 17, he left South Africa in search of opportunities in the Americas — a decision that would mark his trajectory.

The first billions: Zip2, X.com, and PayPal

In the 1990s, during the internet boom, Elon Musk founded Zip2, a platform offering maps and digital directories for newspapers. In 1999, the company was acquired by Compaq for US$ 307 million. At just 28 years old, he had already made his first fortune.

But Musk didn’t stop. With part of that capital, he created X.com, a digital financial services startup that evolved into PayPal — a platform that revolutionized online payments worldwide. In 2002, eBay acquired PayPal for US$ 1.5 billion. Musk, as the majority founder, received approximately US$ 180 million — funds that would be reinvested into his most ambitious and transformative projects.

The Musk empire: five companies shaping the future

Tesla: accelerating global electric mobility

Tesla is not just an electric car manufacturer — it redefined the automotive industry. Under Elon Musk’s leadership, the company has become:

• The world’s leading producer of premium electric vehicles
• Developer of Autopilot, an advanced assisted driving system
• Pioneer in Gigafactories, highly automated manufacturing plants
• Producer of lithium batteries and energy storage systems
• Supplier of solar panels and renewable energy solutions

For investors, Tesla is particularly relevant because it directly influences the stock prices of global manufacturers like BYD, Volkswagen, General Motors, and Stellantis — all with significant operations in Brazil. Fluctuations in Tesla’s stock are reliable indicators of movements in the automotive and battery sectors.

SpaceX: privatizing space exploration

Founded in 2002, SpaceX broke the monopoly of governments over space exploration. The company developed reusable rockets that reduced launch costs by up to 90%, enabling:

• Billion-dollar contracts with NASA and the US Space Force
• Commercial satellite launches for private clients
• The mission to send humans to Mars — Musk’s declared goal

Valued at over US$ 200 billion, SpaceX is the most valuable private company in the United States. Its impact goes beyond financial markets: Starlink, its satellite internet division, already operates in more than 70 countries, including Brazil, providing connectivity in remote areas.

Neuralink: brain-machine interface

Neuralink is working on developing neural implants capable of connecting the human brain to artificial intelligence systems. Initially focused on assisting patients with motor disabilities, the company represents the technological frontier — direct integration between the human mind and machine.

The Boring Company: underground mobility

Created to solve urban congestion, The Boring Company builds tunnels that allow rapid transportation beneath cities. It is already executing projects in the US, representing a futuristic vision of urban infrastructure.

xAI: competing in artificial intelligence

Launched in 2023, xAI was created with the mission to “understand reality” through AI systems. The company emerged as a direct competitor to Google and OpenAI, and in 2024-2025 gained momentum with the launch of the chatbot Grok. This initiative positions Musk as a key player in the race for AI dominance.

Elon Musk’s fortune in 2025: how it’s distributed

In 2025, Elon Musk’s net worth exceeds US$ 350 billion, consolidating his position among the world’s wealthiest men. His wealth is mainly concentrated in:

• Tesla: shareholding that fluctuates with company performance
• SpaceX: increasing valuation in the latest private funding round
• Starlink: potential IPO in the coming years
• Neuralink, The Boring Company, and xAI: smaller assets but with high future potential

An important detail: Musk’s fortune is volatile. With each significant movement in Tesla’s stock, his wealth can vary by billions of dollars within hours. Therefore, monitoring his companies’ performance is essential for investors seeking to understand global markets.

How Elon Musk influences markets and key sectors

1. Mobility and renewable energy

Tesla’s decisions impact battery prices, lithium, solar energy, and even the viability of electric mobility startups. Companies like BYD, Volkswagen, and even lithium mining producers feel the effects of his strategies.

2. Technology and artificial intelligence

xAI competes directly with Google, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI. An AI innovation by Musk can reposition investments across the tech sector.

3. Geopolitics and defense

Starlink has become critical infrastructure in military conflicts and for national security in various countries. Governments now depend on private technology for strategic connectivity.

4. Cryptocurrencies and digital assets

Musk’s public comments on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin move markets — fluctuations of 20% to 30% after his tweets are not uncommon.

5. Aerospace sector

SpaceX has transformed the satellite industry, space launches, and private space exploration. Global competitors must constantly reinvent themselves.

For any serious investor, monitoring Elon Musk’s movements is key to identifying emerging opportunities and risks.

Controversies and Elon Musk’s public image

Besides being an innovator, Elon Musk is known for controversial statements — particularly on his X platform (formerly Twitter). His positions include:

• Criticisms of government policies and regulations
• Comments on cryptocurrencies that move markets
• Explicit political stances
• Public disputes with rivals and major companies

These controversies are part of building his personal brand — a “no filter” magnate who doesn’t shy away from challenging established narratives.

Curious facts about Elon Musk

• Has slept on the floor of Tesla’s factory to identify operational issues
• Father of 10 children with different partners
• Claims his ultimate goal is to die on Mars — though not in the crash landing
• Enthusiast of science fiction and pop culture
• Tried to acquire OpenAI before founding xAI

Why understanding Elon Musk is investing in the future

Understanding who Elon Musk is goes far beyond curiosity about billionaires. It’s about following a vector of global transformation that has simultaneously reshaped multiple sectors. His companies don’t just innovate — they set the standards by which the industry is guided.

For investors, journalists, economists, and anyone interested in technology and innovation, following Musk’s trajectory, decisions, and company performance is essential to understanding where global markets are heading. His impact transcends Wall Street — it shapes geopolitics, redefines entire sectors, and continues to challenge what we believe is possible.