If shareholders approve Tesla’s ambitious proposal, Musk’s fortune could soar past unprecedented levels—tied to the company achieving a market value of $8.5 trillion.
New Delhi, September 6 – Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla, could soon become the world’s first trillionaire if a newly proposed pay package by Tesla’s board wins shareholder approval. The package, which mirrors Musk’s landmark 2018 deal, would grant him 423.7 million additional Tesla shares—worth about $143.5 billion at today’s market price. But there’s a catch: Tesla’s market capitalization would need to skyrocket from its current $1.1 trillion to $8.5 trillion.
The ambitious proposal underscores Tesla’s belief in Musk’s ability to drive the company far beyond its present trajectory, with promises of self-driving robotaxis and humanoid robots potentially redefining the future of mobility and technology.
The plan is not without controversy. A Delaware judge had previously struck down Musk’s 2018 pay package, despite it being approved twice by shareholders. Tesla is now seeking to re-approve that plan—and go further.
Musk Pushes for More Control
Musk, who currently owns about 13% of Tesla, has been vocal about his concerns regarding voting power.
“I am uncomfortable growing Tesla to be a leader in AI & robotics without having 25% voting control,” Musk wrote on X. “Unless that is the case, I would prefer to build products outside of Tesla.”
With 410 million Tesla shares worth around $139 billion, plus significant stakes in SpaceX, xAI, and X (formerly Twitter), Musk’s net worth already stands at $378 billion, according to Bloomberg.
Investor Divisions and AI Future
Not everyone is convinced. Ross Gerber, CEO of Gerber Kawasaki and an early Tesla investor, argued that the move is as much about Musk safeguarding his position as it is about company growth.
“This is all about Musk being scared about being kicked out of Tesla because he only owns 13%,” Gerber told CNN.
Meanwhile, the proxy statement for shareholders also included a proposal for Tesla to consider investing in Musk’s AI startup, xAI, though no specifics were provided.
Betting Big on the Future
Tesla’s stock has seen sharp swings—still down 26% from its December 2024 peak—but optimism remains high among Musk’s supporters on Wall Street. They believe the company’s next phase of growth may come not just from cars but from robotics and AI, industries where Musk wants Tesla to lead the global charge.
If the proposal is approved and the targets are met, Elon Musk may achieve what no entrepreneur has before: becoming the world’s first trillionaire, a milestone that could reshape both Tesla’s legacy and Musk’s place in history.