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Who are the biggest investors in SpaceX? How much is the company worth today?

Elon Musk is primarily known by many for his fortune as well as the companies he owns including Tesla, X and his space exploration ventures.

Update:
Elon Musk is primarily known by many for his fortune as well as the companies he owns including Tesla, X and his space exploration ventures.
MIKE BLAKEREUTERS

SpaceX, the brainchild of entrepreneur Elon Musk, has soared to the forefront of space exploration and commercial spaceflight since its inception in 2002. The company, officially known as Space Exploration Technologies Corp., has not only achieved groundbreaking milestones but has also become a significant player in the global space industry. With a current valuation of around $150 billion, SpaceX stands as one of the world’s most valuable private companies, and according to billionaire investor Ron Baron, who spoke to CNBC’s Squawk, this figure is set to skyrocket.

SpaceX’s astronomical billions

In the recent interview, which you can watch above, Baron predicted that SpaceX’s value would reach a staggering $500 billion by 2030. Musk’s ambitious ventures, including the satellite internet unit Starlink, have contributed to this projected growth. Musk himself owns a substantial portion of SpaceX, estimated to be around 54%. The company’s current valuation places it in an elite group of immensely valuable enterprises, signaling its pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration.

Investing in the future: major stakeholders in SpaceX

SpaceX’s journey from a fledgling startup to an industry giant has been fueled not only by Musk’s vision but also by strategic investments from key players. The early days of funding saw Elon Musk inject approximately $100 million of his own funds into the company. However, as SpaceX’s ambitions expanded, so did the need for external investment.

Among the notable early investors is Founders Fund, led by venture capitalist Peter Thiel. In 2008, Founders Fund invested $20 million in SpaceX, securing a 10.4% stake. Fidelity Investments also played a crucial role, investing $1 billion in 2015 and acquiring a 10.2% stake. Google, through its venture capital arm Google Ventures, joined the ranks in the same year with a $1 billion investment, claiming a 7.5% share. These investments laid the financial foundation for SpaceX’s pivotal projects, facilitating the company’s transformative advancements in space technology.

Recent years have witnessed SpaceX’s ability to attract substantial capital, evident in a 2020 funding round that raised $1.9 billion, valuing the company at an impressive $46 billion. Notable participants in this round included Baillie Gifford and Valor Equity Partners, further solidifying SpaceX’s position as a magnet for strategic investment within the aerospace industry.

SpaceX investment summary:

  • Elon Musk: Founder and CEO, 54%
  • Founders Fund: 10.4%
  • Fidelity Investments: 10.2%
  • Google (Google Ventures): 7.5%
  • Baillie Gifford and Valor Equity Partners: participated in 2020 funding round, contributing to SpaceX's valuation

Percentages are approximate based on information from Investopedia and Craft.co

These are the main investors with the rest available for review. If you have a few spare millions stashed away and can’t think what to do with it, maybe give Elon a call.

Beyond SpaceX: Elon Musk’s empire at home

While SpaceX remains a cornerstone of Elon Musk’s ventures, the tech magnate’s influence extends beyond the bounds of space exploration. Musk, known for his diverse portfolio of companies, is the founder and CEO of Tesla, a pioneering electric vehicle and clean energy company. Tesla has not only redefined the automotive industry but has also become a symbol of innovation in sustainable technology.

Companies owned by Elon Musk:

  • Tesla: $770.2 billion as of August 2023
  • SpaceX: $150 billion as of July 2023
  • X (formerly Twitter): $15 billion as of June 2023
  • The Boring Company: $5.7 billion as of April 2022
  • Neuralink: $5 billion as of June 2023
  • xAI: Unknown value

    Source: Madison Trust Company

In addition to SpaceX and Tesla, Musk is involved in various ventures, including Neuralink, a neurotechnology company working on brain–computer interface technologies, and The Boring Company, focused on tunnel construction and infrastructure. Musk’s ability to lead and innovate across multiple industries underscores his status as a transformative force in the business world, with each of his enterprises contributing to shaping the future of technology and human civilization. Oh, and then there’s X, his transformation of the much loved Twitter.