Billionaire Elon Musk appeared at a government-run small-business forum in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar, making good on a promise after its organizers invited him by billboard.
“What is the point of any company? To produce any product or service that is useful to other people,” Musk told delegates via video. “Starting a company and trying to make it successful is very hard. It’s a lot of pain,” he added.
The entrepreneur behind electric car maker Tesla and space exploration company SpaceX praised the organizers of the conference for their sense of humor in installing the sign reading “What do you think of this Elon Musk?” near his company headquarters.
“It was very subtle, I think that billboard outside SpaceX gave it away. That was a billboard straight outside my company, how could I miss it?” he said.
Musk also said the Russian education produces many talented people and interesting technologies.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
