Cautionary Tale
Why is Nikola Tesla Only Worth $0?
Invented alternating current, the radio, remote control, and the foundation of modern electricity. Died alone in a New York hotel room with $0 to his name and a pigeon as his closest companion.
The Key Reasons
The pivotal financial moment came in 1897 when Tesla tore up his royalty contract with Westinghouse.
The deal would have paid him $2.50 per horsepower of AC electricity sold — a royalty that, had he kept it, would have made him the first billionaire in history several times over.
He traded what would be worth hundreds of billions today for loyalty to a business partner.
Tesla spent his final decades living in a series of New York hotels, each one cheaper than the last as his money dwindled.
When he died alone in Room 3327 of the New Yorker Hotel on January 7, 1943, his total assets were less than his hotel debt.
Read the full breakdown — with revenue sources, comparisons, and the complete analysis
Nikola Tesla Full Breakdown →