Shivon Zilis and Elon Musk: the professional partnership that extends into their personal lives

Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis and entrepreneur Elon Musk welcomed their third child in early 2025, confirming a relationship that combines professional interests with parental responsibilities. Contrary to rumors, Musk clarified to Page Six that the birth was never intended to be kept completely secret. “Everyone close to us knows,” he stated, making it clear that the lack of a formal announcement does not mean intentional concealment.

The complexity of Musk’s modern family

Elon Musk has built a large and multifaceted family that goes beyond the traditional model. This new baby with Zilis marks his twelfth child, further expanding a family structure that includes other significant partnerships. In November 2021, he and Zilis welcomed twins Strider and Azure, solidifying a partnership that went beyond purely professional.

At the same time, Musk co-parents with singer Grimes, with whom he has three children. The family dynamic gained media attention in 2024 when Grimes publicly requested privacy for her family in a social media post. One month before the arrival of the twins with Zilis, Musk and Grimes welcomed their daughter Exa Dark Siderael via surrogate. Shortly after this, Techno, Musk’s second child with Zilis, was born, demonstrating a period of intense family activity.

Who is Shivon Zilis: the force behind Neuralink

The connection between Zilis and Musk has deep roots in artificial intelligence. Zilis served on the board of OpenAI until 2023, collaborating with an organization dedicated to responsible AI research as a nonprofit. Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015, creating a shared interest that eventually evolved into a personal partnership.

Currently, Zilis holds a prominent position at Neuralink, Musk’s brain-implant company aiming to revolutionize the interface between humans and machines. Her trajectory at the intersection of technology and innovation positions her as an influential figure in the high-tech startup ecosystem. Court documents revealed that Zilis and Musk’s relationship resulted in twins in November 2021, information that only became public in July 2022, illustrating their shared desire for privacy.

Investments and legacy: DOGE, Bitcoin, and beyond

Elon Musk is known for his dedication to the cryptocurrency ecosystem, being a strong supporter of $DOGE. His company Tesla also holds a significant stake in $BTC, reflecting the institutional confidence Musk places in these digital assets. This diversification of interests, combining innovation in brain implants with engagement in decentralized financial technologies, defines the broad scope of his business ambitions.

The story of Shivon Zilis and Elon Musk represents a modern narrative where high-impact careers converge with family responsibilities, creating a dynamic that challenges conventional structures and continues to capture the attention of the public and global media.