Companies like Tesla never lack for hype gimmicks, environmental protection concepts, acceleration to 100 kilometers, and even lifetime free charging.
But many people are not optimistic about Tesla.
In the eyes of savvy investors, it still has not solved the fundamental problem of electric vehicles, which is the problem of electric energy storage and battery life. Although computers have reached the nanoscale, modern electric power storage technology has not made rapid progress, and it can even be said to be standing still.
Because of this, electric vehicles cannot compare with internal combustion locomotives in terms of range, power, and carrying capacity.
"I think this kind of company is a bit like conceptual hype. It can indeed deceive a large number of investors in the capital market, but the company's financial statements are absolutely terrible."
As financial analysts said, from the perspective of financial analysis, its statements are really ugly, so quite a lot of investors are bearish on it, with a short-selling rate of about 50%. It was also good that it was on the verge of bankruptcy several times before.
illustrates this point.
When Tesla really attracted the attention of all investors around the world, it was mainly due to the financial report released in the first quarter of 2013, which showed historic profits.
Once such a company starts to make normal profits, it means that its business model has matured and its future prospects are promising.
At this moment, Tesla has just launched a new car and is in the market verification stage. Even Musk has no confidence.
Musk is full of enthusiasm for investors who have come all the way from this foreign country.
Tesla was not born with a golden key in his mouth. Although the boss Musk has made outstanding achievements in the past, Silicon Valley in the United States is very realistic in this regard.
It can be seen from a few figures: Tesla received US$7.5 million in Series A financing and US$13 million in Series B. Both of these figures are not commendable amounts in Silicon Valley.
It can even be said to be pitiful.
Tesla's performance since its listing has been nothing remarkable. From this point of view, Tesla's long-term valuation of US$2 billion is a sign of favor from the capital market.
The valuation of the future trillion-dollar giant Tesla in the capital market at this time is not as fair as the coffee that is blooming everywhere in China.
"We have also carefully considered the issue of high-speed charging technology. In the long run, the charging problem must be solved. Tesla's goal is to replace fuel vehicles rather than supplement them."
With that said, Musk added: "However, from the current point of view, it is too difficult for us to directly compete with traditional automobile companies, so we must develop steadily bit by bit."
Gu Yun looked at Musk, and suddenly felt that his current remarks were somewhat different from those of him who frequently spoke wildly in his previous life.
Doesn't this guy have the idea of using Tesla to impact the entire traditional fuel vehicle industry?
After thinking about it, Gu Yun seemed to understand.
The market more accurately reflects Tesla's value at this time.
Before Tesla went public in 2010, there were a total of 5 rounds of financing, 1 equity transfer, and 1 loan from the Energy Administration, which raised a total of more than 200 million US dollars. After the IPO, it raised another 200 million US dollars.
For a company that burns so much money, it only produced one Roadster and achieved sales of 937 units when it was launched, which is really not a very good result.
What really changed Tesla's stock price was the cooperation with Toyota and General Motors, and the resulting Model S.
Compared with the previous Roadster, the price/performance ratio of Model S has been significantly improved, and it is more like a car than a toy.
However, the sales situation has not been revealed, the new factory has not been expanded, the production capacity has not kept up, and the company has not gotten rid of losses. At present, Musk cannot have a big dream of challenging the traditional automobile industry.
In this way, he should be constantly adjusting his ideas as he succeeds.
Gu Yun and Musk talked about the future, electric cars and rockets. The scene was so grand and the topic was so far-reaching that Cheng Yingying's eyes were filled with stars.
Who says grand narratives can't attract girls?
Musk admitted that it would be risky to bet all the future on rockets and electric vehicles.
But he changed the topic and said that not being so involved would be the biggest risk, because the hope of success is zero.
Unlike other prudent investors, Musk found that Gu Yun seemed to agree with his philosophy.
When he was in college, he often thought about what are the real problems facing the world and which ones will affect the future of mankind.
Musk is optimistic about the Internet, sustainable energy and space exploration.
Later, he entered these three fields as promised, and successively dropped three blockbusters: PayPal, Tesla and SpaceX.
After chatting about their common hobbies, the two got down to business.
After a series of heated business negotiations, Gu Yun and Musk finally decided that based on a market valuation of US$2 billion, Gu Yun would invest US$200 million to acquire 10% of Tesla's shares.
At the same time, Gu Yun added an additional US$10 million to help Tesla prepare to build the Fremont factory to expand production capacity. The price is that when Tesla shareholders sell their shares, Gu Yun has the highest acquisition priority.
His move may look like charity, but in fact it is taking advantage of history.
When Tesla first went public, Daimler invested US$50 million and acquired 9.1% of Tesla's shares.
For Tesla, which was beleaguered on all sides at the time, this $50 million was life-saving money in times of need.
And I don’t know if it was because of Daimler’s demonstration effect that Toyota also invested US$50 million in Tesla in the same year. At that time, the electric version of RAV4 used Tesla’s electric drive powertrain.
But in 2014, after Daimler made a huge profit, it sold all its Tesla shares. Interestingly, in the same year, Toyota also began to gradually reduce its holdings of Tesla shares until they were all sold out at the end of 2016 and terminated its follow-up.
Cooperation with Tesla.
Calculated this way, if Gu Yun can acquire all the shares released by two large automobile companies in two years, even if he does nothing in the future, nearly 30% of Tesla shares will be enough to make him a billionaire.
You may seem to be making a profit, but I will never lose.
Musk readily accepted Gu Yun's proposal. He is a person who has a strong desire for control. Releasing 10% of the shares is just right for him.
As for Gu Yun buying shares from others in the future, that is not something he needs to worry about. Musk, who holds more than 60% of the shares, does not have to worry about someone threatening his control of the entire Tesla company.
After signing the agreement, Gu Yun proposed to Musk that the auto parts factory could be set up in his hometown.
"Don't worry, I'll help you talk about policies and other things. My hometown is definitely a blue ocean market for Tesla."
Gu Yun's investment undoubtedly accelerated Tesla's development. According to the normal trajectory, Tesla only began to enter China in 2013 and settled as the first "wholly foreign-owned" company.
It was not until 2014 that the first batch of domestic Model S owners mentioned the current car, officially setting sail on the great journey of new energy vehicles.
Musk nodded. The description in Gu Yun's words made him yearn for it. From any perspective, for a large country with a population of 1.3 billion, being able to open up the market first is an opportunity that cannot be missed.
"By the way, Elon, there is one more little thing that you won't refuse."
"What's wrong?"
"Help me transport a Model S back to China, arrange for a staff member, and install the supporting facilities."
Gu Yun thought about what he would see after returning to China, with a look of longing on his face.
Although due to insufficient charging pile infrastructure and other reasons, the electric car he reserved can only move within Jiangcheng.
However, no matter how awesome a luxury car is, it can't compare to the only new energy vehicle in the country in terms of pretentiousness.
Before Tesla becomes a hit on the street, I will install it, Mr. Gu!
