Kimball Musk: billionaire in a cowboy hat living in the shadow of his brother

When it comes to the Musk family, the focus is usually on Elon and his revolutionary companies. However, his brother Kimbal Musk (52 years old) is no less an interesting figure in this entrepreneurial dynasty. Although Kimbal Musk has a net worth of $700 million, his path remains less well-known despite significant achievements in business and activism.

Criticism of Trump’s policies and family disagreements

A few days ago, Kimbal posted on X social media a sharp critique of the current U.S. president. He expressed concern about Trump’s tariff policies, noting that the introduction of new taxes constitutes a “structural and permanent tax on the American consumer.” This statement is notable because it also touches on his brother Elon’s politics, who is known for close ties to the administration.

Despite occasional disagreements on political and economic issues, family bonds remain strong. Kimbal and Elon are deeply connected, overcoming differences in their views. This dynamic demonstrates that even among the most influential entrepreneurs, family relationships remain a priority.

Shared traits with Elon and unique differences

The Musk brothers share many external and biographical similarities. Both were born in Pretoria, South Africa, and each holds South African, Canadian, and American citizenship. Their physical features are also remarkably alike: square jaw, straight nose, and green eyes.

However, what makes Kimbal recognizable and sets him apart from Elon is his consistent style. He almost always wears a cowboy hat, which has become his signature and a symbol of his nonconformity. This detail reflects his unique personality and approach to life, distinguishing the younger co-founder of OpenAI from his more media-focused older sibling.

From Zip2 to $700 million: a joint startup

Kimbal Musk’s career began with the same venture as his brother’s. In the late 1990s, they founded Zip2 — an innovative startup specializing in business software for the internet. It was an era when the internet was just emerging as a commercial platform, and the brothers foresaw its potential.

Their vision paid off: in 1999, Zip2 was sold to Compaq for an impressive $307 million. Although Elon later took a different path, founding PayPal, X (Twitter), and SpaceX, Kimbal built his wealth differently. Most of his $700 million comes from owning 0.04% of Tesla shares — a legacy of their early family entrepreneurial partnership.

Overcoming family trauma and entering business

The Musk family story, like many success stories, was not free of hardships. Kimbal, his older brother Elon, and younger sister Tosca (50 years old) experienced violence from their father. These childhood traumas became a turning point in the family’s life.

In 1979, their mother Maye (76 years old) decided to divorce, ending a traumatic period. Soon after, the family emigrated, first to Canada, then to the United States. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter for all three children. In a safer environment, the brothers were able to realize their entrepreneurial potential, leading to the creation of Zip2 and subsequent success.

Today, Kimbal Musk exemplifies how personal trials and family support can become the foundation for achieving outstanding results. Although he remains a less public figure than his brother, his contributions to digital economy history and his activities as a billionaire deserve recognition.