Yes, Tesla made a lot of money, initially, with his patents for AC motors, generators, etc..
What is not often noted is that Westinghouse eventually complained to Tesla that royalty payments were going to "ruin" the business..
Tesla magnanimously (stupidly) surrendered his rights to royalty payments.. just signed them over to Westinghouse.. as well as $MILLIONS$ that was already owed him..
Possibly the biggest rip-off in history..
That is why, in later years, Tesla had to go begging to J.P. Morgan for funding..
The loss of royalties from Westinghouse, and Tesla's own spendthrift habits.. when he had money, he spent it.. lavishly.. on himself, on his experiments and on his freinds.. with no thought or concern for tomorrow..
J.P. Morgan financed Tesla because he thought Tesla would make him Rich(er)...
Morgan cut funding as soon as he found out Tesla's intention was to produce "free" energy for the world..
No profit, no funding..
Your own post says he willingly gave them over. It wasn't a ripoff; he was just stupid.
Evil capitalist.
Morgan cut funding as soon as he found out Tesla's intention was to produce "free" energy for the world.. No profit, no funding..
Morgan cut off funding when he found out his money was gone and there was nothing to show for it. How much of your money do you invest expecting nothing in return?