Best known today as a leading voice in the farm-to-table and urban agriculture movements, Kimbal Musk is not just a restaurateur or philanthropist. He is a tech-savvy entrepreneur who has successfully blended business acumen with social responsibility, creating ventures that not only generate revenue but also drive meaningful change in education, food systems, and public health.

From Silicon Valley to the Farm

Kimbal’s entrepreneurial journey began in the 1990s when he co-founded Zip2, a city guide software company, alongside his brother Elon. In 1999, the company was acquired by Compaq for a remarkable $307 million, setting both brothers on their respective paths to reshape the world in different but equally ambitious ways.

Today, Kimbal Musk’s estimated net worth exceeds $700 million, but unlike many tech entrepreneurs who stay in the digital space, he chose to pivot—dramatically.

Reimagining Food and Farming

Driven by a deep passion for real food and sustainable living, Kimbal founded The Kitchen Restaurant Group, a collection of community-focused restaurants that emphasize locally sourced, responsibly produced ingredients. With locations across the U.S., The Kitchen has earned praise not only for its menus but for its mission—to bring people together through food and to strengthen local food economies.

He didn’t stop there. In 2011, Kimbal launched Big Green, a national nonprofit that builds “Learning Gardens” in schools across the country. These interactive outdoor classrooms help students connect with nature, understand nutrition, and cultivate lifelong healthy eating habits. To date, Big Green has built thousands of gardens and served hundreds of thousands of children in underserved communities.

In addition, Kimbal co-founded Square Roots, an innovative urban farming company that uses cutting-edge, climate-controlled shipping containers to grow fresh produce in city environments year-round. Square Roots aims to make fresh, nutritious food accessible regardless of geography or season, while also training the next generation of urban farmers.

Blending Business and Purpose

Kimbal’s ventures reflect his deep belief that entrepreneurship can—and should—be a force for good.

“Food is the new internet,” Kimbal Musk once said, reflecting his conviction that the next great wave of innovation will be in sustainable agriculture and health-conscious eating. He envisions a world where real food is affordable and available to everyone—not just the privileged few.

His efforts have earned him recognition as a leading social entrepreneur, with accolades from Forbes, Fast Company, and The World Economic Forum, where he has served as a Global Social Entrepreneur.

Looking Ahead

As the conversation around climate change, food deserts, and public health intensifies, Kimbal Musk’s work is becoming more relevant than ever. He continues to advocate for regenerative farming, sustainable supply chains, and education reform—reminding the world that solving big problems doesn’t always require rockets or robots. Sometimes, it starts with a seed in the ground and a meal shared at the table.

Whether in the tech sector, the kitchen, or the classroom, Kimbal Musk’s multifaceted career demonstrates that profit and purpose can coexist, and that the future of food might just be one of the most important frontiers of our time.