Martin Eberhard is an American inventor, engineer, and entrepreneur who co-founded Tesla, Inc. (then Tesla Motors) with Marc Tarpenning in 2003. Eberhard served as Tesla’s original chairman, and its CEO until late 2007.
Eberhard’s net worth is estimated to be between $100 million and $200 million as of August 2023. This estimate is based on his early stake in Tesla, as well as his other business ventures.
Early life and education
Eberhard grew up in Kensington, California, a community in the Berkeley Hills. He received a B.S. in computer engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1982 and an M.S. in electrical engineering from the same school in 1984.
Career
Eberhard began his career as an electrical engineer at Wyse Technology, where he designed the WY-30 ASCII computer terminal as his first product. Eberhard co-founded Network Computing Devices in 1987, where he served as chief engineer through its IPO on 1992. In 1996, Eberhard founded NuvoMedia with Marc Tarpenning, where they developed the Rocket eBook, the first e-book with secure internet delivery of content. Eberhard served as chairman and CEO until NuvoMedia’s acquisition by Gemstar in 2000.
Tesla Motors
In 2003, Eberhard and Tarpenning co-founded Tesla Motors, with the goal of developing and producing electric vehicles. Eberhard served as CEO of Tesla until late 2007, when he was ousted by Elon Musk.
Under Eberhard’s leadership, Tesla developed and launched its first car, the Roadster, in 2008. The Roadster was a commercial success, and helped to put Tesla on the map as a leading electric vehicle manufacturer.
After Tesla
After leaving Tesla, Eberhard founded several other companies, including inEVit (now Seres) and Tiveni. He also served as a consultant and advisor to several other companies, including Google and Faraday Future.
In 2015, Eberhard was inducted into the University of Illinois Engineering Hall of Fame.
Eberhard’s net worth
Eberhard’s net worth is estimated to be between $100 million and $200 million as of August 2023. This estimate is based on his early stake in Tesla, as well as his other business ventures.
Early stake in Tesla
Eberhard owned a significant stake in Tesla when he was ousted as CEO in 2007. However, he sold much of his stake in the following years.
In 2009, Eberhard sued Musk over his ouster and for slander. The case was settled for undisclosed terms.
Other business ventures
Eberhard has founded several other companies since leaving Tesla, including inEVit (now Series) and Triveni. He has also served as a consultant and advisor to several other companies, including Google and Faraday Future.
Conclusion
Martin Eberhard is a successful inventor, engineer, and entrepreneur. He is best known for co-founding Tesla, Inc., one of the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers.
Eberhard’s net worth is estimated to be between $100 million and $200 million as of August 2023. This estimate is based on his early stake in Tesla, as well as his other business ventures.
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