FYI: Woody Harrelson passed on a chance to invest in Tesla in the late 2000s but still thrives thanks to his successful acting career.
Woody Harrelson’s Tesla Investment Regret: A Missed Opportunity in EV History
In a candid conversation with MarketWatch, actor Woody Harrelson, known for his standout roles in films like White Men Can’t Jump and Natural Born Killers, discussed a major missed investment opportunity. Harrelson revealed that his biggest financial misstep was turning down an invitation to invest in Tesla during its early, tumultuous days.
A Chance Encounter with Tesla
In the late 2000s, Tesla was in its nascent stage, developing the very first Roadsters and desperately seeking investors to keep the dream alive. Elon Musk, then a relatively unrecognized visionary, was aiming to revolutionize the automotive industry by promoting electric vehicles as a viable alternative to traditional gas-powered cars.
The Roadster, Tesla’s flagship prototype, was priced at a steep $250,000, accessible only to affluent individuals. This initial offering was more than just a vehicle; it was a fundraising effort to ensure Tesla’s survival and facilitate the production of more budget-friendly electric cars. Big names, including Leonardo DiCaprio, showed interest and purchased the Roadster to support the cause.
Harrelson’s Decision
Harrelson recounted to MarketWatch his brush with Tesla:
“MarketWatch: Any significant money mistakes?
Harrelson: Oh, I’ll tell you one. This guy came up to the house and he had this really fancy, superfast car. Almost like a race car. Not an actual race car, but it was like a Ferrari-type car and it was super fast. We took a ride in it. He’s like, ‘You want to invest [in the company]?’ And I’m like, ‘Nah, I don’t think so.’”
When prompted about the name of the company, he disclosed with a laugh:
"Tesla. [Laughs] It was one of his [Elon Musk’s] people. That’s one regret. I mean, I have many. In the end, everything’s ok."
The Financial Perspective
Tesla’s IPO price, adjusted for splits, started at a mere $1.13. Fast forward to the present, and it trades at $210.26—an astounding 16,326% increase. Harrelson’s non-investment in Tesla could have been a multi-million dollar windfall given this exponential growth.
Conclusion
Despite this missed opportunity, Harrelson’s prolific career in the entertainment industry has ensured his financial stability and peace of mind. His anecdote serves as a compelling reminder of the unpredictable nature of investment opportunities and the importance of foresight in financial decisions.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
