Antonio’s ownership stems from absolute support, even when it looked like SpaceX would fail, and many investments over 2 decades.
One could not ask for a better friend. He is a great man.
💡 Inside Track & Deep Insight
In a rare personal defense, Elon Musk took to X to clarify the origins of Antonio Gracias' ownership stake in his companies, directly rebutting claims that Gracias obtained equity through a short-term loan during Musk's financial struggles in 2008. Musk explicitly stated that the loan was repaid and never converted into shares, instead attributing Gracias' holdings to his unwavering support when SpaceX was on the brink of failure and to investments made over two decades.
The clarification underscores Musk's emphasis on loyalty and long-term relationships in his inner circle, potentially signaling to investors and followers that his decision-making is influenced by personal trust as much as business rationale. Gracias, founder of investment firm Valor Equity Partners, has been a known confidant and board member at both Tesla and SpaceX, but this direct explanation of his ownership structure adds transparency to Musk's network.
👇 Original Post on X
That was a short-term loan when I ran out of money in 2008. He did not receive any equity for it.
Antonio’s ownership stems from absolute support, even when it looked like SpaceX would fail, and many investments over 2 decades.
One could not ask for a better friend. He is a…
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 6, 2026