Acquired

Interview: Hamilton Helmer & Chenyi Shi on How to Build an AWS-Like Second Business

Apr 4, 2023

Hamilton Helmer, author of "Seven Powers," and Chenyi Shi from Strategy Capital dive into how companies can successfully build second business lines. They share a research-based playbook, discussing the fine balance between staying on a successful path and branching out. Insights from giants like Amazon and Nvidia illustrate why some thrive while others falter. The duo emphasizes the importance of a robust strategic framework and understanding market dynamics, alongside real-world examples to help founders navigate their growth challenges.

01:29:17

Creator website

Episode guests

Chenyi Shi

Hamilton Helmer

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Product Market Fit over Capabilities: The Key to Success

01:04

Identifying Distinctive Competencies in Tech Companies

01:28

Focusing on Revenue in Acquisitions

01:17

Success Factors in Business Transformations

01:28

Intro

4min

Navigating Innovation and Strategy

22min

Navigating Company Value and Investment Insights

4min

Strategic Valuation and Competitive Insights

4min

Navigating Business Power Dynamics

27min

Navigating Corporate Strategy and Insurance Challenges

4min

Navigating Diversification and Innovation Challenges

19min

Navigating the Complexities of Business Platforms and Community Engagement

3min

7 Powers author Hamilton Helmer and his Strategy Capital colleague Chenyi Shi join us again to discuss their latest research on a topic that’s highly relevant to the recent Acquired canon: how to build a second business line. This incredibly important “transforming” question faces every great company who has achieved initial product success (as well as their investors). Do we continue solely along the established path, or do we attempt to grow new branches on the tree? Some companies grow new businesses with tremendous success — Amazon and AWS, Nintendo and video games, Nvidia and CUDA — yet many others fail miserably. For the first time Hamilton and Chenyi share their research-based playbook on how companies should approach this decision and choose wisely. Tune in!

Sponsors:

Anrok: https://bit.ly/anrokacquired
Statsig: https://bit.ly/acquiredstatsig24
Anthropic: https://bit.ly/acqclaude

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Note: Acquired hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.

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