Founder & Former CEO, Tesla Motors
Martin Eberhard: Biography at a Glance
- Martin Eberhard is co-founder and former CEO of Tesla, credited with transforming public perception of electric vehicles into high-performance, desirable transportation options.
- Martin's influence extends beyond his role at Tesla; he's contributed to the field as Director of EV Development at Volkswagen and continues to shape the future of energy storage with a new startup venture.
- With over 22 patents as an inventor, Martin has a storied career as a Silicon Valley veteran and extensive experience serving on the boards of early-stage tech companies.
- He speaks around the world on the business of green energy, reducing the use of carbon fuels, entrepreneurship, and inspiring students to pursue careers in science and engineering.
- Martin distills insights from his legendary career to discuss strategies for leading industry transformation, the economic and ethical landscapes of these pivotal technologies, and cultivating teams that can both embrace and drive change.
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Biography
Martin Eberhard is an engineer, a veteran Silicon Valley entrepreneur, and inventor on at least 22 patents. He received a BS in Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1982 and an MS in Electrical Engineering from the same school in 1984. Recently, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award and an Alumni Award for Distinguished Service from The University of Illinois.
Eberhard co-founded Network Computing Devices in 1987, where he served as Chief Engineer through its IPO on 1992, developing several successful products there. In 1996, Eberhard founded NuvoMedia with his colleague, Marc Tarpenning, where they developed the Rocket eBook, the first eBook with secure internet delivery of content. Eberhard served as Chairman and CEO until NuvoMedia’s acquisition by Gemstar in 2000.
In 2002, after their successful exit from Nuvomedia, Eberhard and his colleague, Marc Tarpenning, founded Tesla Motors, where Eberhard served as its CEO until November, 2007. Together, Eberhard and Tarpenning reinvented the electric car, changing public perception of electric cars to fast, sexy desirable cars that will obviously become the future of transportation.
Eberhard’s key innovations have set the way for all subsequent electric cars: 1) an electric car should not be a compromise. With the right technology choices, it is possible to build electric cars that are actually better cars than their competition. 2) Battery technology is key to a successful electric car. Lithium ion batteries are not only suitable of automotive use, but are game-changing, making decent driving range a reality. 3) If designed right, electric cars can appeal to even the most serious car enthusiast, as electric drive is capable of seriously outperforming internal combustion engines.
In 2007, Eberhard left Tesla Motors with a fair bit of press drama, as his largest investor took control of the company. Despite the drama, Eberhard is very pleased to watch Tesla succeed in the trajectory that he first envisioned.
Since leaving Tesla Motors, Eberhard served for two years as Director of EV Development at Volkswagen. He has lectured around the world on reasons and methods for reducing the use of carbon fuels, on the advantages of electric drive over other automotive technologies, and on entrepreneurship and the need for more young people to pursue degrees and careers in science and engineering. He currently serves on Boards of Directors and Advisory Boards of several innovative, early-stage Silicon Valley startup companies.
Eberhard has recently founded a new startup company in the large-scale energy storage space. It's too early to say very much more about this company.
Topics
Building a Culture of Innovation: From E-books to Electric Cars to...?
Martin Eberhard takes audiences on a thrilling journey into the heart of innovation and disruption. As co-founder and former CEO of Tesla, Eberhard shares the untold story of Tesla’s Roadster inception—the bold vision, behind-the-scenes struggles, and game-changing breakthroughs that sparked a revolution in the automotive industry. From his early ventures like the Rocket eBook to navigating Tesla’s startup days with Marc Tarpenning and Elon Musk, Martin reveals how perseverance, ingenuity, and a willingness to defy convention can transform entire industries.
This talk goes beyond cars—it’s a roadmap for building cultures where bold ideas thrive, teams embrace risk, and organizations stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re leading a company, scaling a startup, or simply curious about what’s next in clean technology, Martin’s story is a masterclass in turning visionary thinking into world-changing reality.
Ethical Issues Surrounding Artificial Intelligence
Martin Eberhard addresses the complex ethical questions and challenges posed by the rapid development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in various fields, including healthcare, finance, education, and transportation. Drawing on his expertise as a tech entrepreneur and innovator, Eberhard discusses the potential risks and benefits of AI, and how to ensure that it is developed and used in a way that is fair, transparent, and aligned with ethical principles.
The Business of Green
In this thought-provoking and actionable discussion on the importance of sustainability in the modern business world, Martin Eberhard discusses how to harness the power of innovation and leadership to create a better future for all.
Eberhard discusses the intersection of business and sustainability. He covers the latest trends and challenges in the world of environmental sustainability, and provides insights and strategies for building a successful green business. Eberhard draws on his experience as a tech entrepreneur and innovator, sharing case studies and examples from his own career and the wider business world. He concludes by covering the financial and marketing aspects of building a green business and exploring the role of leadership and innovation in driving change.
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FAQs
How do I book Martin Eberhard for my event?
Contact CAA Speakers at (424) 288-2898 or speakers@caa.com to book Martin Eberhard to speak at corporate or private events, keynote speeches, speaking engagements, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances.
Quick booking process- Email CAA Speakers with event details
- Get availability confirmation within 24 hours
- Review speaking fee and contract terms
- Sign agreement and finalize logistics
As one of the most influential talent agencies in the world, CAA handles all speaking engagements from contract to event day coordination.
Who is Martin Eberhard's booking agent?
CAA Speakers is the preferred booking agency to contact for Martin Eberhard’s speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com for all Martin Eberhard in-person appearances and keynote speaking requests.
Contact Martin Eberhard's agent- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: caa.com/caaspeakers
- Response: Within 24 hours
CAA Speakers can check Martin Eberhard's speaking calendar with direct access to availability and official pricing. While many websites may list Martin Eberhard, CAA Speakers is the direct source for authentic information about availability and pricing.
What is Martin Eberhard's speaking fee?
Martin Eberhard's speaking fee varies by event type, location, and requirements. As a top keynote speaker, Martin Eberhard's fee reflects their expertise and market demand.
Speaking fee factors:- Event type and audience size
- Travel distance and logistics
- Presentation length and customization
- Virtual vs. in-person delivery
Additional costs: Travel, accommodation, A/V requirements, and optional meet-and-greets.
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for Martin Eberhard's current speaking fee and detailed cost breakdown.
How much does it cost to book Martin Eberhard as a keynote speaker?
The cost to book Martin Eberhard as keynote speaker includes their speaking fee plus travel and logistics expenses.
Total booking cost includes:- Martin Eberhard's keynote speaking fee
- Travel and accommodation
- Technical requirements and A/V setup
- Optional add-ons like book signing and meet & greets
- Virtual presentations
- Local/regional events
- Off-peak booking periods
- Flexible event dates
Email speakers@caa.com for Martin Eberhard's exact booking cost and customized pricing proposal.
How to contact Martin Eberhard for speaking engagements?
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for all Martin Eberhard speaking engagements.
Official contact for Martin Eberhard bookings:- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: https://www.caa.com/caaspeakers/martin-eberhard
- Response time: 24 hours
Include your event date, location, audience size, and budget when contacting CAA about booking Martin Eberhard.
Is Martin Eberhard available for virtual speaking events?
Yes, Martin Eberhard speaks at virtual events with professional-grade equipment and interactive presentation style.
Martin Eberhard's virtual event options:- Live virtual keynotes with Q&A
- Interactive workshops and breakouts
- Hybrid events (in-person + virtual)
- Pre-recorded presentations
Virtual events offer global reach, flexible scheduling, and reduced travel costs while maintaining Martin Eberhard's engaging presentation quality.
Contact CAA Speakers for Martin Eberhard's virtual event availability and technical specifications.
What events can I book Martin Eberhard for?
Book Martin Eberhard for corporate conferences, industry events, private functions, and virtual presentations. Martin Eberhard customizes content for any audience size or event type.
Event types:- Corporate meetings and conferences
- Industry summits and trade shows
- Private executive retreats
- Educational institution events
- Virtual and hybrid conferences
Martin Eberhard engages audiences from private executive meetings to large conferences with thousands of attendees.
Contact CAA Speakers to discuss how Martin Eberhard can customize their presentation for your specific event.
Martin Eberhard booking information and availability
Check Martin Eberhard's speaking availability through CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com. Book 3-6 months in advance for best date selection during peak seasons (September-November, March-May).
Availability factors:- Event date and location
- Speaking fee and budget
- Lead time for booking
- Peak conference seasons
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Contact CAA early in your planning process to secure Martin Eberhard for your preferred event date.
Book Martin Eberhard keynote speaker through CAA
Book Martin Eberhard through CAA Speakers for guaranteed authentic representation and professional event coordination. CAA is the preferred booking agent for Martin Eberhard, with direct access to their speaking availability and decades of experience representing the world’s top keynote speakers.
CAA booking advantages:- Direct access to Martin Eberhard's calendar
- 24-hour availability confirmations
- Professional contract negotiation
- Full logistics coordination
- Industry-leading client service
Trusted by Fortune 500 companies for their most important speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com to book Martin Eberhard for your next event.
Will Martin Eberhard speak at private events?
Yes, Martin Eberhard speaks at private corporate events, executive retreats, board meetings, and exclusive functions.
Private event types:- Executive retreats and board presentations
- Client entertainment and VIP gatherings
- Corporate celebrations and award ceremonies
- Private dinners and exclusive functions
Private event benefits: Customized content, enhanced interaction, complete confidentiality, and flexible scheduling.
Contact CAA Speakers for Martin Eberhard's private event availability and confidential pricing proposals.
How quickly will I get a response about booking Martin Eberhard?
CAA Speakers responds to Martin Eberhard booking inquiries within 24 hours during business days. Complex requests or international events may take up to 48 hours for detailed proposals.
Response timeline:- Initial acknowledgment: Within 24 hours
- Availability confirmation: 24-48 hours
- Detailed pricing proposal: 48-72 hours
- Urgent requests: Same-day priority response
Include complete event details (date, location, audience size, budget) for fastest response times.
How far in advance should I book Martin Eberhard?
Book Martin Eberhard 3-6 months in advance for best availability, especially during peak speaking seasons. Early booking ensures better date selection and rate negotiations.
Recommended booking timeline:- 3-6 months: Optimal availability and pricing
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Peak seasons: September-November and March-May book fastest. Contact CAA Speakers early for priority consideration.
How do I get Martin Eberhard pricing information?
Get Martin Eberhard pricing information by contacting CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com with your event details. Receive detailed cost breakdown within 24-48 hours with no obligation to book.
For accurate pricing, include:- Event date and location
- Audience size and type
- Event format and duration
- Budget parameters
CAA provides transparent pricing with all costs included - speaking fee, travel, accommodation, and technical requirements.