Elon Musk Seeks Bigger Stake at Tesla for AI and Robotics Leadership, Aiming for 25% Voting Control

In a move indicating his desire for a tighter grip on Tesla, Elon Musk is reportedly pushing for an increase in his voting power within the company, specifically aiming for a 25% stake. Taking to the social media platform X, Musk expressed discomfort in advancing Tesla's foray into AI and robotics without significant influence, saying, "I am uncomfortable growing Tesla to be a leader in AI & robotics without having ~25% voting control," in posts monitored by SFist.

Already holding approximately 13% of Tesla, ownership after selling a substantial portion of his stake in 2022, Musk intends to retain enough influence to direct company affairs. Not an unchallengeable majority, reflecting his strategic considerations for the electric car and tech giant's future. He further remarked, "Unless that is the case, I would prefer to build products outside of Tesla," according to a post obtained by CNBC.

Additionally, Musk took a swipe at shareholder commitment contrasting it to his own by pointing out, "As for stock ownership itself being enough motivation, Fidelity and other own similar stakes to me. Why don’t they show up for work?" as per the details shared on Xitter, and provided by SFist. Tesla, which Musk emphasizes as not merely an automobile company but also one deeply embedded in AI technology, continues to develop products such as the humanoid robot Optimus that has been showcased handling everyday tasks like folding a T-shirt.

The billionaire entrepreneur's plans come amid a trial in Delaware over his prior $56 billion compensation deal from Tesla, which sees him face litigation on allegations of excessive payment and a breach of fiduciary duty by both him and Tesla's board, a board that according to Musk will not craft a new compensation scheme until resolution of the ongoing Delaware case which, "The reason for no new 'compensation plan' is that we are still waiting for a decision in my Delaware compensation case, 'The trial for that was held in 2022, but a verdict has yet to be made'," Musk explained in remarks publicized by CNBC.