Elon Musk's reported merging of SpaceX, xAI, and Tesla harkens back to the heyday of General Electric — or maybe the robber barons of the Gilded Age.

TechCrunch (TC) is a leading technology news and media site that covers the latest trends, startups, and innovations in the tech industry. With breaking news,  analysis, and expert commentary, TechCrunch provides  insights into the world of technology and entrepreneurship. Developers can learn about emerging technologies, funding opportunities, and market trends by following TechCrunch's coverage of the tech industry.

TechCrunch

Elon Musk is reportedly merging SpaceX, xAI, and Tesla into a single conglomerate, echoing the corporate empire-building of General Electric under Jack Welch or the robber barons of the Gilded Age. His net worth approaches $800 billion, rivaling GE's peak market cap. While GE's conglomerate model ultimately failed and was dismantled, Musk's approach resembles Gilded Age tycoons who controlled multiple industries through wealth and minimal regulation. The success of a potential Musk conglomerate will depend on his strategic direction and how society responds to his growing power, particularly as conglomerates typically face valuation discounts and regulatory scrutiny.

Bye-bye corporate conglomerates. Hello personal conglomerates.