Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

Tony Xu - A Human and Math Problem - [Founder’s Field Guide, EP. 28]

9 snips
Apr 8, 2021
Tony Xu, co-founder and CEO of DoorDash, shares his insights on solving complex logistical challenges in the food delivery space. He discusses how DoorDash began by addressing the needs of local businesses while navigating operational hurdles. Xu's perspective on the benefits of early capital constraints reveals unexpected strengths in their business model. He emphasizes the role of team collaboration and servant leadership in fostering a customer-centric culture, reinforcing how innovative solutions can drive local economic growth.
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ANECDOTE

DoorDash Origin

  • DoorDash's origin started with helping local businesses like Tony Xu's mother.
  • Their first problem was a macaroon store in Palo Alto that had to turn down delivery orders.
INSIGHT

Node Density

  • Node density, not population density, matters most in last-mile delivery.
  • Optimize placement of stores, customers, and dashers for efficient routes.
ANECDOTE

Human Problem First

  • DoorDash prioritized understanding the "human problem" before the "math problem."
  • Early employees did deliveries daily to gather data and learn customer behavior.
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