In the case of SpaceX he took very significant risk. After failing 3 launches they made the 4th, averting bankruptcy for both SpaceX, Tesla and Musk himself.

In the case of SpaceX he took very significant risk. After failing 3 launches they made the 4th, averting bankruptcy for both SpaceX, Tesla and Musk himself. SpaceX has saved the US $millions by unseating a fat incumbent in ULA. The savings could stretch into $billions soon and will grow larger if reusable rockets get certified for national security launches.