technology
Final xAI co-founder Ross Nordeen quits, leaving Musk sole founder
Ross Nordeen is reported to have left xAI and removed his employee badge, marking the latest and final co-founder exit that leaves Elon Musk as the sole remaining founder of the 12-person team as SpaceX moves toward a major IPO.
Apr 2nd 2026 · United States
Insights
- Ross Nordeen has removed his xAI employee badge and is reported to have left the company.
- xAI has lost its 11th co-founder, leaving Elon Musk as the only remaining member of the 12-person founding team.
- Nordeen and Manuel Kroiss reported directly to Musk and Nordeen followed Musk from Tesla, serving as a close operator and helping coordinate layoffs at X.
- The wave of departures accelerated after SpaceX acquired xAI and X earlier this year.
- SpaceX is preparing for a potential IPO that could value the company around $1.75 trillion, with reports that Musk may allocate up to 30 percent of shares to retail investors.
Sources
- Analyst claims his company can’t find any buyers for OpenAI's shares; Elon Musk replies timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- OpenAI closes larger than expected funding round of $122bn www.siliconrepublic.com
- Musk’s last xAI co-founder quits before SpaceX IPO: reports www.siliconrepublic.com