Scott Cook (Founder of Intuit) Shares Why Top Founders Understand Network Effects

In this episode, James Currier chats with Kristin O'Brien and Scott Cook about the importance of network effects for startups. They delve into Cook's experiences with eBay and Amazon, discuss the efficiency of small teams, and share strategies to overcome the chicken and egg problem in network effects. The conversation also touches on societal benefits of network effects, the transformation of lives through technology, and the rise of volunteerism through digital platforms.

About 2 years ago, Intuit Founder Scott Cook came to NFX to meet with James Currier to discuss their shared interest in network effects. It was one of the most compelling conversations James has had with anyone on the topic, and so we recently visited the Intuit HQ in Mountain View, CA to continue the conversation. Today we're making it public, for the benefit of Founders everywhere

(0:00) Introduction and the Importance of Network Effects for Startups (7:00) The Power of Multi Factor Process Advantage and Intuit's Network Effect (14:00) Scott Cook's Experience with eBay and Amazon, and Amazon's Secret Plan (20:00) Efficiency of Small Teams and Two-Sided Network Effects (27:00) Strategies to Overcome the Chicken and Egg Problem in Network Effects (33:00) Advice for Founders on Network Effects and Exemplars of Network Effect Businesses (38:00) Societal Benefits of Network Effects and the Power of Global Networks (42:00) Transformation of Lives through Technology and the Power of Information Access (44:00) The Rise of Volunteerism through Digital Platforms and its Role in Intuit's Customer Help Boards (47:00) Conclusion and Final Thoughts with Scott Cook