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Straubel
JB Straubel
Rank #2285
UNITED STATESTechnologyTesla, Redwood Materials

JB Straubel

Net Worth
$1.799B
0% (24h)
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.

How to read JB Straubel's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For JB Straubel, we anchor the narrative to Tesla, Inc. and Tesla, Redwood Materials, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $1.799B alongside global rank #2285, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

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 Timeline

2017

Founder of Redwood Materials

Founded Redwood Materials, focusing on battery recycling.

2012

MotorTrend Car of the Year

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

2004

Co-founder of Tesla

Joined Tesla as its fifth employee and CTO.

Philanthropic Impact

Environmental and Educational Initiatives$XB

Straubel Foundation

Supports projects related to clean energy and education.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Tesla0.12%$1.1M

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

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.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for JB Straubel are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.