Tarpenning

Tarpenning is a surname. The most widely known bearer is Marc Tarpenning, an American entrepreneur who co-founded Tesla Motors in 2003 alongside Martin Eberhard. The company later became Tesla, Inc., a major manufacturer of electric vehicles and energy storage products.

During Tesla’s early years, Tarpenning held executive roles that helped establish the company's financial and engineering foundations. He served as chief financial officer and as vice president of engineering, contributing to initial fundraising, budgeting, and the direction of early product development. His work helped lay the groundwork for Tesla’s approach to electric propulsion and corporate growth.

Tarpenning left Tesla in 2008 to pursue other ventures. Following his departure, he remained active in the technology sector, participating in various startup projects and investment activities. His early role at Tesla is typically noted as part of the company’s formative period, before subsequent rounds of funding and leadership changes that accompanied its expansion.

The surname Tarpenning is most often encountered in connection with Marc Tarpenning in contemporary business and technology contexts.