According to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List, Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA) chief Elon Musk’s net worth surged to $852.5 billion (£621.9 billion) after SpaceX announced it would acquire xAI to create space-based data centres to meet growing demand for AI computing. Musk’s net worth has quadrupled since 2024. At this pace, he could become a trillionaire well before 2033, as previously predicted by Forbes.
Several factors are driving the increase. Musk holds more than a 12% stake in Tesla, which has risen 39.4% in the past six months. It is estimated that his net worth rises by $1 billion (£729 million) each time the Tesla share price increases by $2.43 (£1.77).
The approval of Musk’s trillion-dollar pay package by the majority of Tesla shareholders is another key factor. Furthermore, the Delaware Supreme Court recently reversed an earlier decision and ruled in favour of Musk receiving a $55 billion (£40.1 billion) pay package proposed by Tesla in 2018.
Potential SpaceX IPO Could Boost Musk’s Wealth to $1T
Multiple media outlets reported that the latest SpaceX-xAI deal values the rocket company at $1 trillion (£729.6 billion) and xAI at $250 billion (£182.4 billion). The terms of the deal will see xAI investors receiving 0.1433 shares of SpaceX for every share of xAI held.
Few day ago, Tesla also invested $2 billion (£1.4 billion) in xAI preferred stock. At the same time, SpaceX is planning an IPO in mid-2026 with the goal to raise $50 billion (£36.4 billion), which could value the company at $1.5 trillion (£1 trillion). If the historic IPO goes through, it will likely push Musk’s wealth significantly higher.
Musk Says No Need to Save Money in the AI Era
While a $1 trillion Tesla pay package for a company valued at around $1.5 trillion faced significant opposition, Musk’s statement on social media that people don’t need to save money — because AI will eliminate poverty and provide a universal high income — has sparked fierce debate. Musk had previously said he did not need the money for a lavish lifestyle but to maintain control over his ventures, including Tesla, SpaceX and xAI.
Wedbush Sees 2026 as a Pivotal Year for Tesla
In a recent research note, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, a long-time Tesla bull, said the EV maker is making major strides in advancing its autonomous driving and robotics initiatives, with 2026 expected to be a pivotal year. Ives expects Tesla to launch robotaxis in over 30 US cities in 2026, estimating that the AI opportunity alone could be worth at least $1 trillion.
He is of the view that regulatory hurdles surrounding full-self driving (FSD) will likely ease in early 2026 under the current administration, unlocking value for Tesla as volume production ramps up and FSD penetration increases within its customer base.
Overall, Ives forecast that Tesla could dominate close to 70% of the global autonomous vehicle market over the next decade, with FSD penetration potentially reaching 50%. He also pointed to Musk’s $1 trillion pay package and his substantial stake in xAI as further catalysts for Tesla’s AI ambitions. The brokerage said it reiterated its ‘outperform’ rating on Tesla, with a 12-month price target of $600 (£437) per share.
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Originally published on IBTimes UK