Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

Elon Musk Is Not Impressed With Apple In a recent interview, he labeled the tech company 'the Tesla Graveyard' for talent.

By Laura Entis

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Reuters | Rebecca Cook
Elon Musk

When it comes to his opinion of Apple, Elon Musk doesn't mince words.

"They have hired people we've fired," Musk said. "We always jokingly call Apple the 'Tesla Graveyard.' If you don't make it at Tesla, you go work at Apple," the Tesla CEO told the German newspaper Handelsblatt last month in an article spotted by Business Insider.

Maybe the nickname was manufactured as a piece of lighthearted ribbing at a competitor's expense? Musk cleared up any ambiguity of intent, adding "I'm not kidding."

It's understandable that Musk is a little prickly when it comes to Apple, which will soon be a Tesla competitor when it launches its electric car.

If Musk is worried that the tech giant is entering his playground, he's upped his bluffing game. "Did you ever take a look at the Apple Watch?" Musk reportedly asked the interviewer, before guffawing. "No, seriously: It's good that Apple is moving and investing in this direction. But cars are very complex compared to phones or smartwatches."

Related: Elon Musk's Advice for Jack Dorsey: Don't Run Two Companies

Laura Entis is a reporter for Fortune.com's Venture section.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Growing a Business

Want to Expand Your Market Overseas? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Global Logistics in 2024

With rising geopolitical tensions and changing market conditions it can be hard for businesses to navigate supply chain logistics even in a post-pandemic world. Here are three tips from the CEO of an international customs brokerage.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Thought Leaders

How to Become a Successful Social Entrepreneur

It's not the same as being a great business person.

Business News

Kickstarter Is Opening Up Its Platform to Creators and Making Big Changes to Its Model — Here's What's New

The company noted it is moving beyond traditional crowdfunding and making it easier for businesses to raise more money.

Business News

Elvis Presley's Granddaughter Fights Graceland Foreclosure, Calls Paperwork 'Forgeries'

The 13.8-acre estate was scheduled to be sold in a public foreclosure auction on Thursday. Presley's granddaughter and heir, Riley Keough, is fighting to save Graceland in court.

Franchise

What Franchising Can Teach The NFL About The Impact of Private Equity

The NFL is smart to take a thoughtful approach before approving institutional capital's investment in teams.