Navigating Tech Competition and Business Models | 8min snip from The Tim Ferriss Show

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#713: Matt Mullenweg — The Art of Crafting a Sabbatical, Tips for Defending Against Hackers, Leveraging Open Source, Thriving in an AI World, and Tips for Life’s Darkest Hours

The Tim Ferriss Show

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CHAPTER

Navigating Tech Competition and Business Models

This chapter examines how major companies like Apple influence user experience through multi-message tools and network throttling, while also discussing regulatory efforts for better interoperability. Additionally, it explores modern business models that emphasize flexibility and independence in operations, particularly contrasting proprietary software drawbacks with the advantages of open-source solutions.

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Brought to you by Momentous high-quality supplements, Helix Sleep premium mattresses, and AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement.

Matt Mullenweg (@photomatt) is co-founder of the open-source publishing platform WordPress, which now powers over 40 percent of all sites on the web. He is the founder and CEO of Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Tumblr, WPVIP, Day One, Texts, and Pocket Casts. Additionally, Matt runs Audrey Capital, an investment and research company. He has been recognized for his leadership by Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Inc., TechCrunch, Fortune, Fast Company, Wired, University Philosophical Society, and Vanity Fair.

Matt is originally from Houston, Texas, where he attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and studied jazz saxophone. In his spare time, Matt is an avid photographer. He currently splits his time between Houston and San Francisco.

Please enjoy!

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[00:00] Start

[05:12] The Argentine Dr. Mullenweg.

[08:15] Open source.

[10:19] Secret hiring.

[12:59] Matt is always on tour.

[15:14] Texts.

[17:39] How Matt chooses his next project(s).

[21:51] Building a digital Berkshire Hathaway.

[29:01] Why Matt’s excited about messaging.

[32:03] How Matt discovers companies he buys.

[32:53] RIP, Charlie Munger.

[33:28] Worthy rereads.