Tesla CEO Elon Musk is at the Tesla Gigafactory construction site in Grünheide, near Berlin, September 3, 2020.
Patrick Pleul | images alliance | Getty Images
Elon Musk has just become the richest person in the world, with a net worth of more than $ 185 billion.
Thursday’s increase in Tesla’s stock price pushed Musk past Jeff Bezos, who was the richest person since 2017 and is currently worth about $ 184 billion. Musk’s rise in wealth last year marks the fastest rise to the top of history’s rich list – and marks a dramatic financial turnaround for the famous businessman who was only in the headlines for the quick burning of money by Tesla and his personal advantage against Tesla Stock.
Musk started 2020 with a value of about $ 27 billion and was barely among the 50 richest people.
The dizzying price of Tesla’s shares – which increased more than nine times last year – together with its generous payment package added more than $ 150 billion to its net worth.
Meanwhile, Amazon’s stock price has remained lower due to the potential for increased Washington regulation.
Elon Musk overtook Warren Buffett in July to become the seventh richest person. In November, Musk ran past Bill Gates to become the second richest person. Musk has gained more wealth in the past 12 months than Bill Gates’ $ 132 billion net worth.
Tesla shares were recently traded for around $ 790, up more than 4% in Thursday’s trading. The company’s market capitalization grew to $ 737.6 billion.