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   For more career & tech lessons, subscribe to Tech for Non-Techies on: Apple Spotify YouTube Amazon Podcasts Stitcher Pandora   FREE GUIDE: The Pragmatist’s Guide To Innovation (in business & in life) by Sophia Matveeva, supported by researchers from The University of Chicago   Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University.