Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#2315

Image: RudolfSimon | CC BY-SA 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

JB Straubel

CEO, Tesla

UNITED STATES

Real-Time Net Worth

$1.799B

Estimated based on Tesla stock value as of April 20, 2026

0% (24h)

Age

Source

Tesla, Redwood Materials

Industry

automotive

Citizenship

UNITED STATES

Biography

JB Straubel is a prominent figure in the automotive and clean energy industries, best known as the co-founder and former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Tesla. As CTO from 2004 to 2019, he played a crucial role in developing Tesla's core technologies, including battery packs and electric motors. Currently, Straubel is the founder and CEO of Redwood Materials, a battery recycling company. His estimated net worth is 1.8 billion USD, derived primarily from his early involvement in Tesla and his current ventures in sustainable technology.

Fact Checked

Verified by Editorial Team

Live Data

Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Tesla

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Jeffrey Brian "JB" Straubel was born on December 20, 1975, in Des Moines, Iowa. From a young age, he displayed a keen interest in engineering and renewable energy, a passion that led him to Stanford University.

Rise to Success

Straubel's career took off when he co-founded Tesla Motors in 2004 with Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, initially serving as its CTO. At Tesla, he spearheaded the technical and engineering design of Tesla's vehicles, overseeing the development of critical technologies like battery systems. In 2017, Straubel founded Redwood Materials, a company focused on battery recycling and creating a circular supply chain for battery materials.

Key Business Strategies

At Tesla, Straubel's focus was on innovation in battery technology, software, and electric motors. At Redwood Materials, the focus is on recycling and refining materials from used batteries to reduce the environmental impact of battery production.

Philanthropy

Straubel and his late wife, Boryana Dineva, co-founded the Straubel Foundation in 2015 to support projects in clean energy and education. The foundation continues to operate in her honor following her tragic passing in 2021.

Career Milestones

2004

Co-founder of Tesla

Joined Tesla as its fifth employee and CTO.

2012

MotorTrend Car of the Year

Under Straubel's direction, Tesla Model S secured the 2012 MotorTrend Car of the Year.

2017

Founder of Redwood Materials

Founded Redwood Materials, focusing on battery recycling.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Environmental and Educational Initiatives

Straubel Foundation

$XB

Supports projects related to clean energy and education.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""I think we're absolutely at a moment in history when we have to reinvent everything.""

Leadership Principles

Innovation

Driven by a commitment to create a sustainable future and push technological boundaries.

Sustainability

Focus on environmental impact and circular economy in the battery industry.

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