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10 Interesting Elon Musk Facts for Kids 2024 (Fun Facts)

Elon Musk is currently the richest person in the world! He is one of the most influential and successful people in the world. From starting multiple companies over the years to investing in various kinds of businesses across the world, it goes without saying that Musk is a force to be reckoned with. 

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at some facts about Elon Musk’s life and career. 

Let’s take a closer look!

What Was Elon Musk’s Childhood Like?

Elon Musk was born in Pretoria to Errol and Maye Musk. His father was an engineer and property developer, and he also owned an emerald mine in an area near Lake Tanganyika. His mother is a dietician and model. Musk also has two siblings, a brother and a sister, who work as a chef and film executive, respectively. 

Musk went on to attend university in America, where he attended the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton School. He studied physics and economics at UPenn and Wharton, hosting ticketed parties to help pay for his college tuition. 

How did Elon Musk’s Career Start?

After completing two internships in Silicon Valley, Musk started his first company with his brother Errol and Greg Kouri. It was called Zip2, and the company developed a kind of guidebook that had yellow pages, directions, and maps. After getting contracts with a couple of newspapers, Zip2 was eventually acquired by Compaq, and Musk received a payment for his share of the company. 

A few years later, in 1999, Musk started an online services company called X.com, which was one of the first online banks to be federally insured. After a few internal problems, the company was eventually renamed PayPal, and Musk was replaced as the CEO. 

Later on, he became interested in funding a growth chamber to grow plants on the planet Mars, and eventually, he launched the company SpaceX. 

8 Interesting Facts About Elon Musk

1. Elon Musk created and developed a video game when he was 12. 

Most 12 year old kids spend their time playing video games and hanging out with their friends, but Musk spent his time creating them! When Musk was 12, he developed the code for a game called Blastar. The game involved blowing up aliens with a spaceship. He earned $500 for the sale of his game, and in 2015, it was turned into a proper video game. 

2. He started SpaceX to build affordable rockets. 

When Musk started the SpaceX company, he had traveled to Russia to discuss the possibility of buying refurbished intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to send growth chambers to Mars and begin the process of developing a living colony over there.

However, since he was seen as inexperienced and unable to take on a project like that, he returned to America. When he went back to Russia two years later, he was offered a rocket for $8 million, but turned it down due to its high cost. He then started SpaceX with the intention of building affordable rockets. 

3. Musk was one of Tesla’s early funders. 

Contrary to popular belief, Elon Musk did not found the company Tesla, but led the initial stage of funding! The company was founded by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, though Musk later joined the company as a chairman and became a major shareholder. However, Musk later became the CEO and was listed as a co-founder after Martine Eberhard was asked to leave the company.

4. Musk co-founded a neurotechnology company. 

Elon Musk started a company called Neuralink in 2016 that uses artificial intelligence. The company’s aim was to integrate the human brain with AI technology by implanting devices that aim to merge the brain with machines. Additionally, the company wants to develop devices that help treat various conditions like dementia, spinal cord injuries, and even Alzheimer’s. 

5. Elon Musk is the current owner of Twitter. 

Musk first bought around 9% of the company at the beginning of April in 2022. However, after the company announced that he would be joining its board, Musk bidded for the entire company, and the board accepted his deal. After a legal battle, Musk eventually gained ownership of the Twitter, and eventually renamed it X in 2023. 

6. Musk has released original music. 

Though his strengths lie in science, technology, and innovation, Musk has also released a few original musical tracks. One of them is a rap song called “RIP Harambe,” and the other one is an EDM song called “Don’t Doubt Ur Vibe.”

7. Musk held a Guiness World Record. 

Even though he is the richest person in the world, Musk’s net worth has seen its fair share of highs and lows. In January 2023, he held the record for largest loss of personal fortune in history. This was because he lost around $200 billion because Tesla stock declined. 

8. Musk has made cameos in multiple TV shows and movies. 

Given his background and interest in science, it’s not surprising that Elon Musk has made appearances in various television shows movies! His acting credits include The Big Bang Theory, Iron Man, and The Simpsons. 

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion 

Elon Musk is a well-known and interesting public figure who makes headlines almost every day! In this article, we took you through some interesting facts about his life and work, and how he kickstarted his career. His work as an investor and magnate have made him one of the most powerful forces to be reckoned with. Now that you know more about him, maybe you will feel inspired to kickstart your own journey as an entrepreneur!