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Too bad the public markets have given Elon such a lashing with Tesla, because I would love to buy into SpaceX. But then, I’m not the only one; “There is an un
by zaroth 8y ago
Too bad the public markets have given Elon such a lashing with Tesla, because I would love to buy into SpaceX.
But then, I’m not the only one;
“There is an unlimited amount of funding that the company could probably access globally in private markets," Hilmer said, adding that he has personally met many of "a diverse group" interested in SpaceX. Everywhere I travel around the world, investors of all types — individuals, family offices, hedge funds, sovereign wealth funds or private equity — want to get into SpaceX," Hilmer said. "It's almost all investors I talk to."
Of course at the same time I’m happy they aren’t public. The market couldn’t handle the time horizons that SpaceX operates under, nor the mission statement that drives them.
[1] - https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/13/equidate-spacex-27-billion-valuation-shows-unlimited-private-funding-available.html https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/13/equidate-spacex-27-billion-v...
- dv_dt 8y agoI read that as there is a lot of money that wants to piggyback on the success of SpaceX instead of fundamentally developing anything via their own investments.
- IshKebab 8y agoWhat do you think investment is exactly?
- dv_dt 8y agoI think that systemic interest in investment in fundamental economic improvements has declined while systemic investment in financial vehicles (pardon the pun) is rampant. This would be ok if the financial vehicles were connected to economic well being, but that link is increasingly tenuous. It basically takes a crazy, put it all on the line billionaire to assemble technologies, but why doesn't the economic system regularly do this? Musk is great, but I think his skill, much like Jobs, is excellent integration of a number of existing technological possibilities. Why is Musk, as an individual, the one of the few that can do that at scale, vs industries that have in actuality more resources than Musk.
- deleted 8y ago[deleted]
- pcr0 8y agoI think salesmanship and being able to sell a daring vision is key. Why else would anyone invest in risky long term projects like space travel when they could just buy an ETF instead?
- notimetorelax 8y agoWhich is fine, if there’s someone who can create it’s amazing if we can support them.
- HarryHirsch 8y agoBack then the rocket scientists from JPL and MIT had dozens of aerospace contractors where they could go, and science would be moved forward. Nowadays, the rocket scientists join any of the dozens of hedge funds, but some go work for SpaceX. This is the stagnation of outsourcing.
- bsder 8y ago> This is the stagnation of outsourcing. This is the stagnation of paying your scientists poorly. One of the reasons for so many microbreweries in San Diego was paying microbiology types so poorly. More than one microbrewer here has said: "Well, I was getting paid kinda crappy in biology. So, I started a microbrewery. Now I get paid about the same, don't have to put up with managers, and get to drink beer."
- HarryHirsch 8y agoThis is the stagnation of paying your scientists poorly. All the same. If there are no jobs for scientists, salaries drop, the oversupply isn't going to go away anytime soon. What's this STEM shortage they are talking about in Washington?
- test6554 8y agoAnybody who sees a ceo who plans to spend a large chunk of company profits on colonizing mars for the sake of humanity might think to themselves, "I wonder if I can start a similar company, avoid the mars colonization expenses and undercut them on price."
- Denzel 8y agoYou misunderstand just slightly, and through no fault of your own I might add since SpaceX’s messaging is deliberately murky here. SpaceX has no plans right now to colonize Mars. In fact, they keep saying, “Look! We want other companies or nations to step up and plan for how to establish a colony. We’re only going to do it if we absolutely have no other choice.” SpaceX is truly establishing a financially viable solar transport system that may eventually extend beyond our solar system. This is analogous to the birth of the U.S. railroad system. We don’t know yet what what don’t know is possible. SpaceX is poised to own space transport outright. That’s major! Now what does Mars have to do with this? It’s just a helpful organizing goal. People love a good milestone. Something to reach for with meaning. I mean if you’ve been following SpaceX’s 15-year history you’d see that they’re nothing if not methodical in their planning and attainment of milestones. SpaceX is one of the most well-run companies in the world. And right now they have the best prices, the best technology, the best pace, the best outlook, the best... They have no competition. Literally. I’d invest the entirety of my lifetime earnings in SpaceX if I could. We’re witnessing historic achievements in the making.
- gbear605 8y agoI think for Musk, Mars is more than just a milestone, but he’s able to be realistic enough that he knows that he SpaceX needs to focus on the rockets for now.
- jordanthoms 8y agoI agree SpaceX is way ahead, but I wouldn't say they have no competition. Blue Origin is making some very interesting moves.
- 8y ago
- JumpCrisscross 8y agoThe guy they’re quoting sells SpaceX stock on the secondary market. Of course he’ll say it’s selling like hot cakes—it’s what he’s hired to sell.
- wbl 8y agoSure it can. Those who sent like it sell to those who do, just like in the private market.
- sargun 8y agoYou can buy into them. They are allowed to sell on secondary markets.