Gracias

Rank #1605

UNITED STATES•finance-investments•Investments

Antonio Gracias

Net Worth

$2.463B

+0.8% (24h)

Antonio Gracias is an American billionaire and the founder and CEO of Valor Equity Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm. He is a prominent investor in technology and growth-stage companies, known for his operational approach and involvement in companies like Tesla, where he served as a board member from 2007 to 2021. As of late 2025, his net worth is estimated at $2.4 billion, stemming primarily from his investments. Gracias is also recognized for his philanthropic endeavors, including significant donations to psychedelic research and other educational initiatives, and is a trustee of The Aspen Institute.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Education

Antonio Gracias was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Grand Rapids. He attended Georgetown University, where he earned a joint degree (BSFS and MSFS) in the Walsh School of Foreign Service, with a concentration in international economics. He also studied abroad at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan, and later attended the University of Chicago Law School, graduating with a J.D. in 1998.

Rise to Success

Gracias began his career in finance and law before founding MG Capital, a private equity firm, while in law school. The core team of MG Capital formed the basis for Valor Equity Partners, founded in 1995. Valor's investment strategy focuses on identifying and supporting companies transforming their industries. He met Elon Musk around 2000, and Valor became an early investor in Tesla in 2005 and SpaceX in 2008. Gracias served on the board of Tesla from 2007 to 2021, including eight years as Lead Independent Director. His hands-on approach and investments in Musk's ventures have been key to his success. Forbes estimates his net worth at $2.4 billion as of late 2025.

Key Business Strategies

Gracias's investment philosophy emphasizes operational involvement, long-term partnerships, and strategic guidance to support scaling companies. Valor utilizes an in-house Scale Group to provide operational support to its portfolio companies. Gracias is known for his commitment to helping companies solve operational issues, even at the manufacturing level. Valor's investments have been focused on identifying, investing in, and operationally supporting companies transforming their industries.

Philanthropy

Gracias has been involved in philanthropic activities, including significant contributions to psychedelic research and advocacy. He donated $1 million to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) in 2020 and $16 million to psychedelics research at Harvard University in 2023. The Gracias Family Foundation has also made contributions to Georgetown University, The Aspen Institute and the University of Chicago.

Career Timeline

2023

Donated to Harvard

Contributed $16 million to psychedelics research at Harvard University.

2020

Donated to MAPS

Donated $1 million to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS).

2007-2021

Director at Tesla

Served as a Director of Tesla, Inc., including eight years as Lead Independent Director.

1995

Founded Valor Equity Partners

Founded the growth equity firm focused on investments in technology and innovative companies.

1995

Founded MG Capital

Founded private equity firm that later became Valor Equity Partners.

Philanthropic Impact

Psychedelic Research$1M

MAPS Donation

Donation to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies.

Psychedelic Research$16M

Harvard Donation

Donation to psychedelics research at Harvard University.

Education$5M

Gracias Family Sunflower Current Use Scholarship Fund

Gave to the Georgetown University to support students affected by the war in Ukraine.

Education$20M

Gracias Family Center for Human Sciences and Wellbeing and Research Fund

Donation to the University of Chicago for research initiatives.