Season 3, Episode 1: Tesla

In this episode of Acquired, Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal delve into the history, facts, and future prospects of Tesla, starting with Elon Musk's early career and the company's founding, and going through its IPO. They discuss Tesla's early struggles, key figures like Martin Eberhard and J.B. Straubel, and the pivotal role of Elon Musk. The hosts analyze Tesla's production challenges, financial strategies, and the acquisition of SolarCity, while also speculating on the company's future, including potential scenarios, production targets, and the competitive landscape, and also providing tech themes and grading for the company.

Outlines

Part 1: Origins and Early Challenges

Part 2: Survival and Expansion

Part 3: Production Issues and Future Outlook

Part 4: Wrap Up

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Acquired

Part 1: Origins and Early Challenges

Introduction to Tesla: Innovation, Challenges, and a Pivotal Moment

Elon Musk's Early Career and the Genesis of Tesla

The Founding of Tesla Motors and Early Funding

Early Challenges and Elon's Growing Influence

Ousting Eberhard and Elon Takes the Helm

Part 2: Survival and Expansion

Near Bankruptcy and the Roadster's Rescue

Project White Star: The Model S and Tesla's Expansion

Model S Success and Production Challenges

Model X, SolarCity Acquisition, and the Master Plan

Part 3: Production Issues and Future Outlook

Model 3 Production Issues and Financial Concerns

Production Targets, Cash Needs, and the Path Forward

Bull vs. Bear Case and Competitive Landscape

Tech Themes and Grading Tesla's Future

Part 4: Wrap Up

Carve Outs, ServiceNow, and Episode Conclusion

Season 3, Episode 1: Tesla

Acquired

Part 1: Origins and Early Challenges

00:00Introduction to Tesla: Innovation, Challenges, and a Pivotal Moment

Introduction to Tesla: Innovation, Challenges, and a Pivotal Moment

04:47Elon Musk's Early Career and the Genesis of Tesla

Elon Musk's Early Career and the Genesis of Tesla

15:10The Founding of Tesla Motors and Early Funding

The Founding of Tesla Motors and Early Funding

29:18Early Challenges and Elon's Growing Influence

Early Challenges and Elon's Growing Influence

38:34Ousting Eberhard and Elon Takes the Helm

Ousting Eberhard and Elon Takes the Helm

Part 2: Survival and Expansion

45:58Near Bankruptcy and the Roadster's Rescue

Near Bankruptcy and the Roadster's Rescue

52:51Project White Star: The Model S and Tesla's Expansion

Project White Star: The Model S and Tesla's Expansion

1:04:09Model S Success and Production Challenges

Model S Success and Production Challenges

1:17:27Model X, SolarCity Acquisition, and the Master Plan

Model X, SolarCity Acquisition, and the Master Plan

Part 3: Production Issues and Future Outlook

1:28:27Model 3 Production Issues and Financial Concerns

Model 3 Production Issues and Financial Concerns

1:35:06Production Targets, Cash Needs, and the Path Forward

Production Targets, Cash Needs, and the Path Forward

1:46:02Bull vs. Bear Case and Competitive Landscape

Bull vs. Bear Case and Competitive Landscape

1:52:34Tech Themes and Grading Tesla's Future

Tech Themes and Grading Tesla's Future

Part 4: Wrap Up

1:58:05Carve Outs, ServiceNow, and Episode Conclusion

Carve Outs, ServiceNow, and Episode Conclusion