This Former Musk Assistant Ran His Calendar. Now She’s Backing His Companies.

Elissa Butterfield's Journey

Elissa Butterfield, a former executive assistant to Elon Musk, worked for him from 2016 to 2022, managing his complex schedule and priorities across various companies like Tesla and SpaceX.

Investing in Musk's Ventures

Since joining Island Green Capital Management in 2024, Butterfield's firm has invested significantly in xAI and SpaceX, two of Musk's rapidly growing companies. These investments have already seen substantial returns on paper, with xAI's valuation soaring following a merger with X.

Butterfield's Career Path

After leaving Musk's employ, Butterfield briefly held a COO position at a biotech company and founded Bread and Butterfield LLC, but ultimately returned to the Musk orbit through her venture capital work.

Musk's Alumni Network

Butterfield is one of many former Musk employees who have gone on to achieve success in the venture capital and startup world, highlighting the significant network and opportunities associated with working for him.

Island Green's Investments

• xAI: Island Green participated in xAI's funding rounds, capitalizing on its rising valuation.
• SpaceX: The firm acquired a stake in SpaceX, benefiting from its high valuation.
• Impulse Space: Island Green also invested in Impulse Space, a startup founded by another SpaceX alum.