Ross Kestin's Aliya Capital Achieves Massive Returns on SpaceX Investment

Ross Kestin, owner of Israeli football club Maccabi Netanya, has seen his investment firm, Aliya Capital, achieve a staggering profit of approximately $4.4 billion from an initial $240 million investment in Elon Musk's SpaceX. This return, representing an 1,800% profit, was realized following SpaceX's recent record-breaking IPO.

Aliya Capital's new investment fund focuses on companies founded or led by alumni of the 'PayPal Mafia,' a group of successful entrepreneurs who previously worked at PayPal, including figures like Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Reid Hoffman. The fund aims to leverage exclusive access and connections to these ventures.

Before SpaceX's public offering, Aliya Capital had already invested $240 million in the company. The fund is currently raising between $250 million and $400 million, primarily from wealthy families, with 75% of its capital earmarked for investments in 'PayPal Mafia' associated companies.

Beyond SpaceX, Aliya Capital has also invested in other prominent technology and artificial intelligence firms such as OpenAI, Anduril, Figure AI, and Lightmatter. The current fund is designated for one year of investments, with plans for another fund in 2027. Aliya's overarching goal is to manage $15 billion in assets within five years.

Kestin and Aliya Capital acquired Maccabi Netanya in the summer of 2025 from Eyal Segal, marking his second season as the club's owner. There is hope within the Netanya club that this successful business venture could lead to increased investment in the football team.