Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy
Ben Thompson – Platforms, Ecosystems, and Aggregators - [Invest Like the Best, EP.176]
Jun 2, 2020
Ben Thompson, author of the influential newsletter Stratechery, dives deep into the world of business strategy. He discusses his aggregation theory, exploring how digital platforms like Google and Netflix reshape industries. The nuances of platform vs. aggregator are examined with Shopify and Amazon as case studies. Thompson also addresses the cyclical nature of tech disruption and the importance of value chain thinking. His insights on building successful businesses and navigating competition offer valuable lessons for the future of technology.
01:19:23
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Understanding the evolution of computing from destination-oriented to always-with-you is crucial for tech companies.
- Aggregators like Google and Facebook hold value by connecting directly with users and benefitting from zero marginal costs.
Deep dives
The End of the Beginning
In this podcast episode, the guest, Ben Thompson, discusses the concept of the "end of the beginning" in technology. He explains how technology companies often think they are constantly disrupting themselves, but in reality, there is a continuous evolution and progression in how people interact with computing. This includes the shift from destination-oriented computing to continuous, always-with-you computing, with the smartphone being the current endpoint in this evolution. Thompson argues that iOS and Android are in a strong position as dominant players in this space.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
