Founders and Fortune: A Pivotal Encounter

This chapter explores the early connections between startup founders and influential figures in academia and business during the late '90s, starting with a surprising endorsement from the president of Cornell. It recounts a momentous meeting where a wealthy investor expressed interest in the founders' vision, igniting a mix of excitement and apprehension as negotiations unfolded. Additionally, the chapter highlights the evolution of an innovative online platform driven by user-generated content, setting the stage for future social networking trends.