In 2018, Elon Musk faced a critical period as Tesla struggled with the development of the Model 3, its pivotal car. Musk, in a bid to secure capital, pursued a deal to take over OpenAI, an AI startup valued at $86 billion. He proposed a $1 billion investment, a merger with Tesla, and his appointment as CEO to save both companies.
OpenAI's recent conflict with Musk shed light on his aggressive tactics. Musk pressured OpenAI founders to raise $1 billion, emphasizing the need to compete with tech giants like Google and Facebook. He suggested merging OpenAI with Tesla, positioning the automaker as a financial backbone for OpenAI.
During Tesla's tumultuous phase, Musk's desperation was evident. The company faced financial losses, production delays, and operational challenges. Musk's attempt to privatize Tesla failed, and the Model 3 faced delivery issues, impacting profitability. However, Tesla's entry into the Chinese market in 2019 marked a turning point, leading to the company's first annual profit in 2020.
Despite Tesla's recovery, Musk continued to portray himself as OpenAI's potential savior. He warned OpenAI of irrelevance without his intervention, emphasizing the need for billions in funding. Musk's recent lawsuit against OpenAI reflects his desire to regain control amidst Tesla's current challenges.
While Musk's aggressive tactics in 2018 aimed to save Tesla and position himself as a benefactor to OpenAI, his confrontational approach has now led to legal disputes. As Tesla faces market pressures and declining sales, Musk's focus on OpenAI underscores his relentless pursuit of control and influence in the tech industry.
