This Indian-Origin Musk Ally Is Sitting On A $90 Billion Jackpot If SpaceX IPO Hits $2T

This Indian-Origin Musk Ally Is Sitting On A $90 Billion Jackpot If SpaceX IPO Hits $2T Published By, Last Updated: May 21, 2026, 14:18 IST Antonio Gracias holds about 7.3 percent of SpaceX Class A shares. His stake could reach nearly USD 92 billion if SpaceX is valued at USD 1.5 trillion at IPO. Antonio Gracias was born in Detroit, Michigan, to immigrant parents. His father was an Indian-origin neurosurgeon, while his mother, originally from Spain, was a trained pharmacist. (Photo: X) Indian-origin investor Antonio Gracias, a longtime associate of Elon Musk and an early backer of several Silicon Valley ventures, is drawing fresh attention after SpaceX revealed details of its ownership structure ahead of its expected public offering. According to a report by Business Insider, entities associated with Gracias currently control around 7.3 per cent of SpaceX’s Class A shares. With investors estimating the rocket and satellite giant could command a valuation close to USD 1.5 trillion during its IPO, the value of that holding could rise to nearly USD 92 billion. If the projected valuation becomes reality, Gracias could quietly enter the ranks of the world’s wealthiest individuals — despite largely remaining outside the public spotlight throughout Musk’s rise in the technology and space sectors. The company’s S-1 filing reportedly states that over 500 million shares are held through investment entities connected to Valor Equity Partners, the private equity firm founded by Gracias in 1995. Valor was among the earliest institutional investors in SpaceX and continued expanding its stake while the company remained privately held for over two decades. Gracias and Musk have shared close professional ties since the early 2000s after reportedly meeting through Silicon Valley and PayPal networks following PayPal’s sale to eBay. Over the years, Gracias became one of Musk’s trusted allies, especially during financially difficult phases at Tesla and other ventures. Who Is Antonio Gracias? Antonio Gracias was born in Detroit, Michigan, to immigrant parents. His father was an Indian-origin neurosurgeon, while his mother, originally from Spain, was a trained pharmacist who later ran a lingerie business. His interest in investing reportedly began early. During middle school, his mother gave him USD 300 to purchase Apple stock — an investment he is said to still hold today. While studying international economics and finance at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in the early 1990s, Gracias reportedly explored entrepreneurial ventures, including exporting condoms to Russia. He later completed a master’s degree from Georgetown in 1993. After graduation, Gracias spent two years working at Goldman Sachs before enrolling at the University of Chicago to study law. Over time, he built Valor Equity Partners into a major investment firm with stakes across technology, infrastructure and industrial sectors, eventually becoming one of the earliest financial supporters of Musk-led companies. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: May 21, 2026, 14:18 IST News world This Indian-Origin Musk Ally Is Sitting On A $90 Billion Jackpot If SpaceX IPO Hits $2T Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...