Shivon Zilis is a Canadian technology executive and venture capitalist known for her expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and leadership roles in top tech companies.
She has played a pivotal role in the development of AI-driven projects, particularly in companies linked to Elon Musk, including Neuralink, Tesla, and OpenAI.
Early Life and Background
Born on February 8, 1986, in Markham, Ontario, Canada, Shivon Zilis comes from a diverse cultural background.
Her mother, Sharda N., is a Punjabi Indian immigrant, while her father, Richard Zilis, is Canadian. Growing up, she was passionate about both academics and sports, particularly ice hockey.
Education and Early Career
Zilis attended Unionville High School in Markham before earning a scholarship to Yale University. She graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Philosophy.
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At Yale, she was an outstanding goaltender for the women’s ice hockey team, setting records for goals-against average.
After completing her studies, she started her career at IBM as a Financial Technologies Analyst, working on financial systems in developing countries like Peru and Indonesia.
Rise in the Tech Industry
Venture Capital and AI Investments
In 2012, Zilis joined Bloomberg Beta, a venture capital fund, where she focused on machine learning and AI startups. Her keen insights into AI investments earned her a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2015.
Tesla and Autonomous Driving
Between 2017 and 2019, she worked at Tesla as a Project Director, contributing to Autopilot and AI chip design. Her work helped refine Tesla’s self-driving technology.
Neuralink: Advancing Brain-Machine Interfaces
In 2019, Zilis took on a major role as Director of Operations and Special Projects at Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-machine interface company.
She has been instrumental in developing neurotechnology aimed at treating neurological disorders and enhancing human cognition.
OpenAI and Ethical AI Development
Zilis was also a board member at OpenAI until 2023, contributing to the development of artificial general intelligence while ensuring ethical AI practices.
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Personal Life and Connection to Elon Musk
Zilis is in a relationship with Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. The couple has three children:
- Twins, Strider and Azure (born November 2021)
- A third child (born in 2024)
She gained public attention in February 2025 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’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $15 million. Her earnings come from her high-profile roles at Neuralink, Tesla, and venture capital firms.
She is known for her intellectual contributions to AI rather than a lavish lifestyle, focusing on innovation and philanthropy.
