[toomuchtodo]

Tesla, used in this example, was built by someone who lucked out from a capital perspective (Paypal) to itch an obsession. As you point out, most startups fail. Why has China succeed? State support, not venture capital. Why has Europe not succeed? Lack of will to provide state support to build the state capacity. Nation states have capital, they have workers, they can build or not build these systems. It is a choice.

Europe doesn't need a Tesla, they need a BYD. Learn from China, not the US. Innovation does not require what the author is calling for, imho.

What Is State Capacity? Does China Have It? Does America Really Lack It? - https://www.governance.fyi/p/what-is-state-capacity-does-chi... - November 13th, 2025

The size of BYD's factory - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42228138 - November 2024

[rbanffy]

> Tesla, used in this example, was built by someone who lucked out from a capital perspective (Paypal)

I have the impression Tesla existed before and Musk only took over it later.

> Europe doesn't need a Tesla, they need a BYD. Learn from China,

I completely agree with that. The Chinese model of state-supported industry seems a lot more efficient than the US model where companies compete with each other duplicating effort uncontrollably.

Their election system is also interesting - IIRC a candidate for position N needs to first go into position N-1 and demonstrate some competence. This would make a Donald Trump impossible.

[toomuchtodo]

Agree that I misspoke about the history of Tesla and it was taken over (commandeered even) by Musk from its founders. Appreciate the loose confirmation of my thesis from someone most likely smarter than me.

[ahazred8ta]

For the first eight months of Tesla's existence it was an empty paper shell with no money, no employees, and no office. Musk funded them, led the board, and laid out the strategic plan.