This Week in Startups E1097: Understanding the travel collapse & how media can thrive going forward with Skift CEO & Founder Rafat Ali
Aug 18, 2020
In this engaging conversation, Rafat Ali, CEO and founder of Skift, a leading travel industry news platform, shares insights on navigating the travel collapse during the pandemic. He discusses innovative strategies for travel media, the evolution of Skift amidst significant challenges, and the importance of diversifying revenue streams. Rafat also explores the future of virtual events, the transformation of media employment, and how travel preferences are shifting post-pandemic, all while emphasizing the industry's long road to recovery.
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Bootstrapping Silicon Alley Reporter
- Jason Calacanis bootstrapped Silicon Alley Reporter with credit cards as his first investors.
- He did all the work himself initially, from taking photos and writing to selling ads and delivering copies.
Talent Spotting
- Jason Calacanis discovered his superpower is recognizing talent after decades of work.
- He cites Will Leach, Jenny 8. Jardin, Clay Shirky, and Rafat Ali as examples.
Landing the Job
- Rafat Ali got his job at Silicon Alley Reporter after a brief meeting with Jason Calacanis.
- He offered to work for two months, and if Calacanis wasn't satisfied, he would leave, which landed him the job immediately.