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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FREE GUIDE: The Pragmatist’s Guide To Innovation (in business & in life)

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