Deepam Mishra

Tesla stands out like a Lonely Cyprus for Innovators. And I am not referring to its technology or marketing or leadership charisma; I’m thankful for its contribution towards keeping the Innovators Dream alive.

Many startup founders I advise, bemoan the “squeezing” of the innovation space, by big-money (VCs) and big-tech etc. Some of my previous posts also generated similar reactions from viewers, with many feeling pessimistic about the future of independent startups. Against all such rising concerns (which I too share) I want to juxtapose the following picture.

How did Tesla cock a snoot, at the ‘establishment’. While it was technically founded around 2004, though its real journey (with Musk at helm) started in 2008. In 12–15 years, this upstart, with an IPO of $200M, has subsumed a 125 year old industry. And it does not show signs of stopping at just disrupting automotive (Utilities and other battery driven industries are next).

Why is Tesla worth the entire industry put together? Many amazing enterprises in the right column can also make EVs, in addition to vehicles that Tesla cannot. Is it the head-start advantage? Is it something unique? How about Design? Or Battery IP? Are these so unique that they cannot not be copied in an year or less? In China, we have seen the ability to copy everything from microprocessors to space rockets.

Or is there more to what makes Tesla tick? I’d love to hear what you all think. Whatever the reasons (subject of a future post!), the good news is that as long as new Tesla’s keep emerging, the Silicon Valley innovation myth will stay alive. No matter how bruised and battered.