Shivon Zilis is a Canadian AI expert, venture capitalist, and tech executive known for her roles at Neuralink, Tesla, and Bloomberg Beta. As Director of Operations at Neuralink, she has played a key role in advancing brain-machine interface technology. Her rising prominence has sparked interest in her financial success.
This article explores her net worth in 2025, along with her career, income sources, and background.
Early Life and Education
Shivon Zilis was born on February 8, 1986, in Markham, Ontario, Canada. She is of mixed heritage, with a Punjabi-Indian mother and a Canadian father. Zilis excelled academically and earned a scholarship to Yale University, where she graduated in 2008 with degrees in Economics and Philosophy.
At Yale, she was also a star goalie for the university’s ice hockey team, showcasing her multidimensional talents from an early age.
Career Milestones and Professional Growth
IBM (Early Career)
Zilis began her career at IBM, where she worked on financial technologies across developing nations like Indonesia and Peru. Her work focused on using tech to solve real-world problems, particularly in underbanked regions.
Bloomberg Beta
In 2012, she joined Bloomberg Beta, a venture capital fund backed by Bloomberg L.P., becoming one of its founding members. She gained recognition for her work investing in early-stage machine learning and AI startups. Her achievements earned her a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in the venture capital category in 2015.
Tesla and Neuralink
In 2017, Zilis transitioned into one of Elon Musk’s inner circles of trusted advisors. She joined Tesla as a project director, contributing to the Autopilot AI chip development. Around the same time, she began working with Neuralink, where she currently serves as Director of Operations and Special Projects.
OpenAI and Beyond
Zilis served on the board of OpenAI, an organization focused on artificial general intelligence (AGI), until 2023. She is also on the board of Shield AI, a defense technology company, as of 2023.
Shivon Zilis Net Worth (2025 Estimates)
Shivon Zilis’s net worth is estimated to fall between $5 million and $15 million in 2025, according to multiple reputable sources. This figure reflects a combination of executive salaries, stock holdings, investment returns, and advisory board compensations.
| Source | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Legit.ng | $5 million–$15 million |
| Business Outstanders | $5 million–$10 million |
| TUKO.ke | $5 million–$15 million |
Key Income Streams
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Executive Roles at Tesla and Neuralink
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Equity & Investment Returns from Bloomberg Beta
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Board Compensation from OpenAI and Shield AI
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Public Speaking and Consulting
How She Built Her Wealth
Shivon Zilis’s financial success stems from a mix of well-paid executive roles and strategic equity investments. While she isn’t a billionaire like Elon Musk, her career trajectory mirrors that of many Silicon Valley elites who hold critical roles in high-growth companies.
Here are the pillars of her wealth:
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Early-stage Venture Capitalist: High return potential through Bloomberg Beta.
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High-Level Executive Pay: Leadership at Tesla and Neuralink.
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Board Positions and Advisory Roles: Often come with equity or high compensation.
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Stock Options and Private Shares: Particularly at Neuralink and possibly OpenAI.
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Media Visibility and Influence: Increasing value for brand endorsements or consulting.
Family and Personal Life
Shivon Zilis was born on February 8, 1986, in Markham, Ontario, Canada, to a Punjabi-Indian mother and a Canadian father. She keeps her personal life very private. In 2021, she had twins with Elon Musk—Strider and Azure. Later, they had two more children, including one named Seldon in 2025. Though they co-parent, Shivon and Musk are not romantically involved or married. There’s no public information available about her siblings.
| Relation | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 8, 1986 |
| Birthplace | Markham, Ontario, Canada |
| Mother | Punjabi-Indian |
| Father | Canadian |
| Children | 4 (including Strider, Azure, and Seldon) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried (co-parenting with Elon Musk) |
| Siblings | Not publicly known |
Public Image and Influence
Shivon Zilis is considered one of the most influential women in artificial intelligence, especially due to her work across Tesla, Neuralink, and OpenAI. Unlike many tech figures who chase the spotlight, Zilis remains focused on impact over fame.
Her expertise in machine learning, AI ethics, and venture capital makes her a respected voice in global tech conversations, particularly around the responsible development of AI.
Final Thoughts
Shivon Zilis’s net worth reflects more than just financial gain; it’s a testament to her influence, intelligence, and foresight in some of the most complex areas of modern technology. With an estimated net worth of $5 million to $15 million, she stands as a role model for aspiring women in STEM, tech leadership, and investment.
As she continues to lead Neuralink’s operational strategies and advise emerging tech ventures, her impact on the future of AI and human-machine integration is only expected to grow. Please visit my site, Dan and Shay, for more details.