JB Straubel: The Visionary Engineer Behind Tesla’s Rise and Battery Revolution’s Biggest Gamble
From pioneering electric cars to reinventing recycling, his bold moves shaped a green future—yet some risks still raise eyebrows.
Introduction
Few names in the tech and automotive world evoke both admiration and curiosity like JB Straubel. A Stanford-trained engineer and inventor, Straubel is not only a co-founder of Tesla but also the mastermind behind some of its most iconic innovations—from battery architecture to the Gigafactory concept. While his legacy is often overshadowed by louder voices in the electric vehicle (EV) space, his impact is undeniable. Today, Straubel’s next chapter—Redwood Materials—puts him at the forefront of a bold new movement: solving the world’s battery waste problem. But can he deliver again?
Quick Bio
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeffrey Brian “JB” Straubel |
| Date of Birth | December 20, 1975 |
| Age | 49 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. |
| Education | B.S. & M.S., Energy Engineering, Stanford |
| Marital Status | Widowed (Boryana Straubel, d. 2021) |
| Children | Twin sons |
| Current Role | CEO, Redwood Materials |
| Notable Former Role | CTO & Co-Founder, Tesla |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated ~$1.3 billion |
Early Life and Education
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, JB Straubel showed an early fascination with energy and engineering. As a teenager, he dismantled appliances, built electric vehicles, and even converted a go-kart into an EV. His passion led him to Stanford University, where he designed a custom major and participated in the university’s solar car team.
At Stanford, Straubel earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Energy Engineering. It was during these years that he conceptualized many ideas that would later become foundational at Tesla. His conversion of a Porsche 944 into an electric vehicle even caught national attention, setting the tone for his future in innovation.
Start of Career and Tesla Co-Founding
Before Tesla, Straubel co-founded Volacom, an aerospace startup focusing on hydrogen-electric propulsion. Though not commercially successful, Volacom taught him the intricacies of high-stakes engineering and entrepreneurship.
In 2004, Straubel joined Tesla Motors as the fifth employee. While Elon Musk often dominates headlines, it was Straubel who developed Tesla’s battery systems, drivetrain technology, and the idea for the Gigafactory. He served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) until 2019, overseeing R&D, Supercharger networks, and energy storage products like the Powerwall and Powerpack. In 2023, he was elected to Tesla’s Board of Directors.
Business Ventures and Redwood Materials
After stepping down from his executive role at Tesla, Straubel launched Redwood Materials in 2017. Headquartered in Nevada, the company aims to build a circular supply chain by recycling lithium-ion batteries and producing sustainable battery materials.
Redwood’s mission couldn’t be more timely. With EV adoption surging globally, battery waste is becoming a major issue. Straubel’s company is partnering with giants like Panasonic and Ford to close the loop—recovering precious materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel for reuse. Under his leadership, Redwood Materials has raised over $775 million and continues to expand rapidly.
Family, Tragedy, and Philanthropy
Straubel married Bulgarian-born sustainability executive Boryana Dineva in 2013. The couple shared a deep passion for environmental change and co-founded the Straubel Foundation in 2015 to fund projects related to clean energy and education. They had twin sons and moved to Nevada in 2019.
In a tragic accident in June 2021, Boryana Straubel was killed while cycling. Her passing left a deep personal mark on Straubel, who has continued their foundation’s mission in her honor. He remains deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, supporting sustainability ventures and youth education.
Net Worth, Salary, and Source of Income
JB Straubel’s estimated net worth stands at around $1.3 billion, primarily from his early Tesla stock and growing equity in Redwood Materials. His earnings at Tesla once included a salary of nearly $250,000 and substantial stock options.
Today, his wealth is diversified—spanning investments in green tech, board memberships (such as QuantumScape), and growing institutional interest in Redwood’s mission. While conservative estimates exist, the general consensus points to his billionaire status in 2025.
Latest News and Career Developments
As of mid-2025, Straubel is fully focused on expanding Redwood Materials’ footprint across the U.S. and Europe. Recent initiatives include partnering with automakers to handle end-of-life EV batteries and building large-scale recycling plants capable of producing critical battery-grade materials domestically.
Additionally, his return to Tesla’s board in 2023 marked a symbolic full circle—cementing his role as both a legacy leader and a forward-thinking force in clean tech.
Legacy and Industry Impact
Straubel’s quiet yet powerful leadership has reshaped how the world sees clean energy and EVs. At Tesla, he enabled breakthroughs that pushed the company to the front of the automotive revolution. At Redwood Materials, he is solving a problem few dare to confront: how to sustainably manage the battery boom his own work helped catalyze.
While not as publicly visible as other tech founders, Straubel’s legacy is arguably more rooted in real innovation. His hands-on engineering, long-term vision, and relentless focus on sustainability make him one of the most respected figures in both automotive and energy sectors.
Conclusion
JB Straubel is more than just Tesla’s “other founder.” He’s a visionary engineer, a sustainability leader, and a deeply committed innovator. From building an electric Porsche as a student to reshaping global battery recycling, his career has been a journey of bold risks and transformative success. As the world pivots to a cleaner future, Straubel’s work remains not just relevant—but absolutely vital.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is JB Straubel’s current company?
Redwood Materials, a Nevada-based startup focused on battery recycling and circular supply chains.
Q2: Was JB Straubel a founder of Tesla?
Yes, he was a co-founder and served as Chief Technology Officer from 2004 to 2019.
Q3: What is JB Straubel’s net worth in 2025?
His net worth is estimated at around $1.3 billion, largely from Tesla and Redwood Materials equity.
Q4: What happened to JB Straubel’s wife?
His wife, Boryana Straubel, tragically passed away in a cycling accident in 2021.
Q5: Why is JB Straubel important to the EV industry?
He developed key battery systems and energy strategies at Tesla and is now leading innovations in battery recycling at Redwood Materials.
