Internet History Podcast 20. (Ch 4.2) How Yahoo Became The Web's First Great Company
26 snips
Jun 9, 2014 The podcast dives into Yahoo's evolution from a simple research project to the web's first powerhouse. It highlights how Yahoo revolutionized advertising, leading to significant revenue growth in the 90s. The 'portal wars' are discussed, showcasing the fierce competition between Yahoo and other search engines like Excite and AltaVista. Moreover, it explores Yahoo's incredible IPO success and its eventual struggles against emerging rivals like Google, emphasizing the ever-changing landscape of the internet.
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Early Interest in Yahoo
- Big players like Reuters, MCI, Microsoft, CNET, Time Warner, and pre-IPO Netscape lined up at Yahoo's door.
- They explored partnerships or a buyout, highlighting Yahoo's early success.
VC Skepticism
- VCs were skeptical about Yahoo's business model, questioning its profitability.
- Unlike Netscape, which sold software, Yahoo offered a free directory service.
Mike Moritz's Visit
- Mike Moritz, despite the mess in Yahoo's Stanford trailer, saw potential.
- He questioned their subscription model, leading to a pivotal conversation.
