Tesla Finance VP Recalls Sleeping Under Desk During 'Deathwatch'

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Sendil Palani, a departing Tesla finance VP, said he slept under his desk at the company's San Carlos, California office at least once during the automaker's early days, when it was under a 'Tesla Deathwatch' and barely survived Christmas 2008. Palani's farewell message referenced Tesla's near-bankruptcy in late 2008, when Elon Musk said the company was only three days away from going under before securing $40 million in financing.

Why it matters

Tesla's early struggles and near-bankruptcy highlight the challenges the company faced in its rise to become the world's most valuable automaker. Palani's account provides a rare insider's perspective on Tesla's darkest days and the sacrifices employees made to keep the company afloat.

The details

Palani started at Tesla just days after the company's near-bankruptcy in late 2008, when it was under an 'ongoing Tesla Deathwatch.' He said he slept under his desk at least once, and wasn't the only one, as Tesla fought to survive. The company eventually secured $40 million in financing on Christmas Eve 2008, narrowly avoiding bankruptcy according to Elon Musk, who said Tesla was only three days away from going under.

• Tesla barely survived Christmas 2008.
• Palani started at Tesla a few days later, in late 2008.

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