At the same time "startups" are also not able to reach any of the tangible results musk is producing.
He seems to be able to benefit from the resources of a big company, while at the same time keep the fresh mindset of a relatively small company.
He has a goal he wants to accomplish with this company, and unlike almost anyone else, his goal isn't to enrich himself and spend it on luxuries. He really wants people to colonize space.
An actual non-monetary goal is what's missing, IMO, for most companies.
Established companies have an expectation of success if they just keep doing what they are doing, so anything new is an unacceptable risk.