Shivon Zilis, a prominent figure in the tech industry, has made significant contributions as an AI researcher and venture capitalist. At 36, she holds the position of Director of Operations and Special Projects at Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-chip startup. Known for her expertise and dedication, Zilis is also the mother of Elon Musk’s secret twins, born in November 2021. With an estimated net worth of $5 million, she continues to influence the fields of artificial intelligence and venture capital.
Early Life and Education
Shivon Zilis was born to a Punjabi Indian mother and a Canadian father, a multicultural heritage that shaped her worldview. During her school days, Zilis excelled in ice hockey, earning a sports scholarship to Yale University. Her academic prowess also secured her an academic scholarship due to her high grades. At Yale, she played as a goalie for the varsity women’s ice hockey team, achieving one of the best save percentages in the team’s history.
Academic and Musical Interests
While at Yale, Zilis’s interests extended beyond sports. She played the drums and guitar, showcasing her diverse talents. Her passion for literature led her to explore artificial intelligence, inspired by Ray Kurzweil’s “The Age of Spiritual Machines.” The Canadian band Our Lady Peace further motivated her to delve into AI. Although she initially considered returning to Canada after graduation, Zilis was captivated by the history of technological development in the U.S. and decided to pursue a career there.
Career Beginnings at IBM
In 2007, Zilis joined IBM as a Thought Leadership Analyst. She quickly became involved in IBM’s micro-finance initiative, traveling to countries like Peru and Indonesia. There, she developed systems to provide financial services to small businesses in developing nations. Her work included forming mobile finance strategies, China banking solutions strategy, and overcoming disruptions in consumer payments. This experience marked the beginning of her journey into entrepreneurship and venture capital.
Founding Bloomberg Beta
In March 2011, Zilis co-founded Bloomberg Beta with Roy Bahat, Karin Klein, and James Cham. Bloomberg Beta is an early-stage venture capital firm funded by Bloomberg L.P. that focuses on machine intelligence. Zilis’s role in the firm underscored her commitment to fostering innovation and supporting startups. Her efforts earned her recognition, and she was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for venture capital in 2015.
Roles and Recognition
Zilis has served on the boards of various organizations, including the Global Community Charter School, Vector Institute in Toronto, and Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii). She has also worked as a Fellow at Creative Destruction Lab and became a Charter Member of C100, supporting Canadian technology entrepreneurship and investment. In 2016, she began advising OpenAI, a nonprofit founded by Elon Musk. By 2020, she was appointed as a board member, one of the youngest to hold such a position.
Personal Life and Relationship with Elon Musk
Shivon Zilis and Elon Musk first met in 2016 after she joined OpenAI. Their professional relationship evolved, and in July 2022, court documents revealed that Zilis and Musk had twins born in November 2021. This revelation came shortly before Musk’s former partner, Grimes, gave birth to their second child. Musk and Zilis reportedly live together in Austin, Texas, and have filed to change their children’s last names to Musk and their middle names to Zilis.
Support and Advocacy
Zilis is known for her support of Musk on social media, often agreeing with his views on topics like utopia and zero-sum games. She has defended Musk publicly, particularly when he faced criticism for moving Tesla out of California during the Covid-19 pandemic. Responding to a tweet from Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Zilis wrote about her admiration for Musk’s dedication to a better future for humanity.
Conclusion
Shivon Zilis’s journey from a Yale scholar and ice hockey player to a leading figure in AI and venture capital is inspiring. Her work at Neuralink, OpenAI, and Bloomberg Beta highlights her expertise and commitment to advancing technology. Despite her private nature, her relationship with Elon Musk and their secret twins has brought her personal life into the spotlight. Zilis remains a respected figure in the tech industry, admired for her contributions and unwavering support for innovation.
Shivon Zilis’s story is one of remarkable achievements and personal strength. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the impact of dedication, passion, and a willingness to embrace challenges. As she continues to contribute to the field of artificial intelligence and venture capital, Zilis remains a trailblazer, shaping the future of technology and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Shivon Zilis?
Shivon Zilis is a prominent AI researcher and venture capitalist, currently serving as the Director of Operations and Special Projects at Neuralink. She is also known for being the mother of Elon Musk’s secret twins.
2. What is Shivon Zilis’s background?
Zilis was born to a Punjabi Indian mother and a Canadian father. She excelled in ice hockey and academics, earning scholarships to Yale University, where she played as a goalie for the varsity women’s ice hockey team.
3. How did Shivon Zilis start her career?
Zilis began her career at IBM as a Thought Leadership Analyst, where she worked on micro-finance initiatives in developing countries. She later co-founded Bloomberg Beta, an early-stage venture capital firm.
4. What are some of Shivon Zilis’s notable achievements?
Zilis has served on the boards of several organizations, including the Vector Institute and Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute. She has also been recognized in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for venture capital and serves as a board member of OpenAI.
5. What is the nature of Shivon Zilis’s relationship with Elon Musk?
Shivon Zilis and Elon Musk first met in 2016 through OpenAI. They have twins born in November 2021 and reportedly live together in Austin, Texas. Zilis often supports Musk publicly on social media.