Bezos Rep Quits Board of $1.4B Startup That Has Yet to Build a Truck

The individual who first introduced Jeff Bezos to one of the most audacious electric vehicle startups in the U.S. has stepped down from its board. Melinda Lewison, the head of the Bezos family office and a listed director in Slate Auto’s corporate filings, has resigned from the company’s board just months before its first truck is expected to be built.

Slate Auto, a startup valued at approximately $1.4 billion, has yet to manufacture a single vehicle. The company’s ambitious goal of producing an electric truck has drawn significant attention and investment, but progress has been slow. Lewison’s departure marks a notable shift in the company’s leadership dynamics, given her direct connection to one of the world’s wealthiest individuals.

Bezos’ involvement with Slate Auto has long been a point of intrigue in the EV sector. While the company has secured substantial funding and generated considerable buzz, the lack of a physical product raises questions about its timeline and viability. Lewison’s exit could signal a reassessment of the venture’s trajectory or simply a routine change in board composition.

The startup now faces the challenge of proving its concept without one of its most influential board members. With production deadlines looming, Slate Auto must demonstrate that its ambitious plans can translate into tangible results. For now, the company remains a high-stakes bet in the competitive electric vehicle landscape, carrying a hefty valuation but no trucks to show for it.