Zip2 Corporation Founded
马斯克 co-founded Zip2, a software company that provided business directories and maps for newspapers. This venture marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey in the tech industry.
1995
1999
Compaq Acquires Zip2
In 1999, Compaq acquired Zip2 for approximately $307 million, providing 马斯克 with significant capital to pursue future ventures. This sale was a pivotal moment in his career.
1999
X.com and PayPal Formation
After the sale of Zip2, 马斯克 founded X.com, an online payment company. X.com later merged with Confinity and became known as PayPal, revolutionizing online transactions.
2002
eBay Acquires PayPal
In 2002, eBay acquired PayPal for $1.5 billion in stock, further enriching 马斯克 and allowing him to invest in other ambitious projects, including space exploration.
2002
Founding of SpaceX
马斯克 founded SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corp.) with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. This marked his entry into the aerospace industry.
2004
Investment in Tesla Motors
In 2004, 马斯克 invested in Tesla Motors, becoming chairman of the board. His vision for sustainable transportation helped steer the company toward becoming a leader in electric vehicles.
2008
Tesla Roadster Launches
The Tesla Roadster was launched in 2008, marking the first highway-legal electric vehicle to use lithium-ion battery cells. 马斯克's leadership at Tesla helped to redefine the automotive industry.
2010
SpaceX's Falcon 9 First Flight
In 2010, SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket for the first time, demonstrating 马斯克's commitment to making space travel more accessible and affordable.
2012
Commercial Resupply Services Contract with NASA
SpaceX secured a contract with NASA for commercial resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS), solidifying its position as a key player in space logistics under 马斯克's leadership.
2015
Tesla Model S Wins Multiple Awards
The Tesla Model S received numerous awards, including Motor Trend's Car of the Year, showcasing 马斯克's impact on the automotive industry and the growing acceptance of electric vehicles.
2016
Acquisition of SolarCity
马斯克 led Tesla's acquisition of SolarCity, a solar energy services company, furthering his goal of promoting sustainable energy solutions and integrating solar energy into Tesla's offerings.
2020
Tesla Becomes Most Valuable Car Company
In 2020, Tesla's market capitalization surpassed that of traditional automakers, making it the most valuable car company in the world, a testament to 马斯克's vision and leadership.
2021
SpaceX's Inspiration4 Mission
In 2021, SpaceX launched the Inspiration4 mission, the first all-civilian spaceflight, showcasing 马斯克's commitment to making space travel accessible to everyone.
2023
Starship Launch and Mars Colonization Plans
SpaceX conducted the first full test flight of its Starship rocket in 2023, moving closer to 马斯克's vision of Mars colonization and interplanetary travel.
2024
Continued Innovations and Future Ventures
As of 2024, 马斯克 continues to innovate across various industries, including electric vehicles, space travel, and renewable energy, solidifying his status as a leading figure in technology and entrepreneurship.
