Tech for Non-Techies 231. Why Hardware is Hard (And When It's Worth It): Lessons from Apple, Tesla & Nvidia
Every time a founder with a hardware idea comes to me for advice, I tell them they're choosing one of the toughest paths in tech.
But sometimes, that path leads to trillion-dollar success stories.
In this episode you'll learn from three stories of hardware innovation: Apple, Tesla and Nvidia.
Apple had to spend $175 million to fix an iPhone problem that couldn't be solved with a software update. Tesla had to rip robots out of its automated factory.
Meanwhile, Nvidia turned from a gaming company into a $3.3 trillion AI powerhouse.
Why do some hardware companies become global giants while others crash and burn? Listen to this episode to find out.
You will learn:
- Why physical problems need physical solutions (and why that's so expensive)
- How Tesla's 'production hell' reveals the true cost of hardware innovation
- The real reason VCs are scared of hardware startups (and when they're wrong)
- Why combining hardware with AI might be worth the risk
This episode is essential for anyone building, investing in, or curious about hardware innovation.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:14 Hardware vs. Software
03:05 Apple's Story
06:00 Tesla's Story
09:00 The Value of Successful Hardware Companies
11:30 Why Nvidia is Important
13:49 Lessons for Founders and Investors in Hardware
For the transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/231-why-hardware-is-hard-and-when-it-s-worth-it-lessons-from-apple-tesla-nvidia
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