Shivon Zilis is a Canadian technology executive, investor, and thought leader in artificial intelligence (AI). Known for her sharp insights and leadership in the tech industry, she has built a career that bridges cutting-edge innovation, venture capital, and leadership roles in companies closely associated with Elon Musk. By 2025, her net worth is estimated between $5 million and $15 million, a reflection of her career achievements, investments, and executive positions.
Early Life and Education
Born on February 8, 1986, in Markham, Ontario, Canada, Shivon Zilis grew up in a multicultural household. Her mother, Sharda N., emigrated from Punjab, India, while her father, Richard Zilis, is Canadian. This diverse background gave her both a global perspective and a strong foundation in discipline and resilience.
Zilis attended Unionville High School before earning a scholarship to Yale University, where she studied Economics and Philosophy. At Yale, she was not only a top student but also a standout athlete. As the goaltender for the women’s ice hockey team, she set records for goals-against average, showcasing her ability to balance academics and competitive sports. She graduated in 2008, laying the foundation for her future in global technology and innovation.
Early Career at IBM
After college, Zilis began her career at IBM, working as a Financial Technologies Analyst. Her role focused on applying technology to improve financial systems in emerging markets such as Peru and Indonesia. This early experience shaped her interest in applying innovation to solve global challenges and gave her exposure to the practical impact of tech-driven solutions.
Rise in the Tech Industry
Bloomberg Beta and AI Investments
In 2012, she joined Bloomberg Beta, a venture capital fund dedicated to the future of work and machine learning startups. At Bloomberg Beta, she became a key voice in AI-focused investments, helping identify promising companies that would shape the future of the industry. Her contributions earned her recognition on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2015, firmly establishing her as one of the brightest young minds in tech.
Tesla and Autonomous Driving
Between 2017 and 2019, Zilis took on a role at Tesla as Project Director. There, she worked on Autopilot and AI chip design, contributing directly to the advancement of autonomous vehicle technology. Her work at Tesla was critical in refining self-driving capabilities, a cornerstone of Tesla’s innovation.
Neuralink and Brain-Machine Interfaces
In 2019, Zilis joined Neuralink as Director of Operations and Special Projects. At Neuralink, she has been instrumental in developing brain-machine interface technology that aims to treat neurological conditions and, in the long term, expand human cognitive abilities. This role has positioned her at the forefront of neurotechnology, one of the most ambitious frontiers in science.
OpenAI and Ethical AI
Until 2023, Zilis also served as a board member at OpenAI, where she played a role in shaping the ethical framework for artificial general intelligence. Her work ensured that advancements in AI aligned with safety and ethical considerations.
Personal Life and Connection to Elon Musk
Shivon Zilis is closely connected to Elon Musk, with whom she shares three children: twins Strider and Azure (born November 2021) and a third child born in 2024. In early 2025, she drew public attention when she attended a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Blair House alongside Musk and their twins.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2025, Shivon Zilis Net Worth stands at $5–15 million. Much of her wealth comes from her leadership roles at Neuralink, Tesla, and her earlier venture capital work. Despite her financial success, she is not known for a lavish lifestyle. Instead, Zilis emphasizes intellectual contribution, innovation, and philanthropy. Her focus remains on advancing technology that can benefit humanity, rather than material indulgence.
Conclusion
Shivon Zilis’s journey from a student-athlete at Yale to a leading executive in AI and neurotechnology highlights her determination, intelligence, and vision. With her growing influence in tech and her continued involvement in groundbreaking projects, she remains one of the most intriguing figures in the technology world today.
