Franz von Holzhausen (Tesla) + Kiko Dontchev (SpaceX) [UP.Summit 2025]

A rare joint session from Tesla’s Chief Designer and SpaceX’s VP of Launch Ops on the shared values powering both companies: world-class teams, first-principles thinking, and relentless iteration. Franz breaks down Cybertruck’s exoskeleton (function → form) and the path to autonomy with FSD and Optimus; Kiko shows how Starship’s full reusability—including “Mechazilla” tower catches—unlocks aircraft-like ops and supercharges Starlink’s global connectivity. A candid look at learning from failure, moving fast, and building an abundant future on Earth—and beyond. #UPSummit #Tesla #SpaceX #Starship #Cybertruck #Optimus #FirstPrinciples #Autonomy #Starlink #Innovation