

Acquired
Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal
Every company has a story.
Learn the playbooks that built the world’s greatest companies — and how you can apply them.
Learn the playbooks that built the world’s greatest companies — and how you can apply them.
Episodes
Mentioned books

1,057 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 2h 56min
TSMC Founder Morris Chang
Morris Chang, the visionary founder of TSMC, shares his remarkable journey in the semiconductor industry. He recounts pivotal moments, like winning Apple's chip business and a critical 2009 dispute with NVIDIA. Chang emphasizes the importance of relationships in navigating business challenges and the strategic shifts TSMC made to meet technological demands. His insights into the rise of TSMC as a leading foundry and the broader semiconductor ecosystem are both enlightening and entertaining, making for a compelling conversation!

2,335 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 2h 30min
TSMC (Remastered)
Explore the incredible history of TSMC, a semiconductor giant founded by Morris Chang, and its essential role in today’s tech landscape. Discover the unexpected rise of TSMC amid global chip shortages and the industry's early challenges, from vacuum tubes to silicon. Delve into the strategic partnerships with tech titans like Apple and the groundbreaking innovations like extreme ultraviolet lithography. The episode highlights TSMC's transformative impact, impressive growth statistics, and the dramatic evolution of the semiconductor ecosystem.

2,735 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 3h 53min
Mars Inc. (the chocolate story)
Dive into the secretive world of Mars, Incorporated, a candy and pet care titan. Uncover the fascinating origins of iconic treats like M&M’s and Snickers, and explore the family dynamics behind this private empire. Learn about the transformational journey of Frank Mars, from childhood struggles to candy mogul, and discover how the company evolved into a powerhouse in pet food. Plus, explore innovative marketing strategies and the chocolate-making process, revealing the sweet secrets that shaped the industry.

1,803 snips
Nov 18, 2024 • 3h 21min
IKEA
Dive into the fascinating journey of IKEA, from its humble beginnings in rural Sweden to becoming a global retail titan with a unique cash flow model. Discover how flat-packed furniture revolutionized logistics and affordability. Explore the clever integration of food offerings that enhance customer engagement and the company's innovative marketing strategies that made furniture accessible. Uncover the intriguing complexities of IKEA's governance structure and how its founder's vision continues to shape its identity in today's competitive landscape.

5,765 snips
Oct 28, 2024 • 6h 19min
Meta
Dive into the world of Meta, where over 3 billion users connect daily. Discover the fascinating backstory of Mark Zuckerberg, from coding ZuckNet to launching Facebook. Explore the revolutionary 'Like' button and the bold innovations that shaped social media. Delve into the intense rivalry with Google and the challenges of privacy and misinformation. Finally, experience the ambitious shift towards AI and augmented reality, as Meta navigates its evolving identity in the tech landscape.

281 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 2h 26min
Acquired LIVE from Chase Center (with Daniel Ek, Emily Chang, Jensen Huang and Mark Zuckerberg)
Daniel Ek, Founder and CEO of Spotify, shares insights into the platform's evolution and its interplay with social media giants like Facebook. Emily Chang, a Bloomberg Technology reporter, adds depth from her experiences in tech journalism, while Mark Zuckerberg reflects on social networking challenges. They all discuss the innovative strategies that shape technology today, from AI advancements to storytelling in business. Lively anecdotes and community engagement highlight the connection between creators and their audiences, making for an unforgettable event.

1,057 snips
Sep 18, 2024 • 1h 30min
The Mark Zuckerberg Interview
Mark Zuckerberg, the iconic founder and CEO of Meta, opens up about his journey during a live discussion at Chase Center. He shares personal insights into Meta’s strategy and reflects on the evolution from Facebook to Meta. Topics include the ambitious integration of AI and augmented reality, the challenges of innovating in a competitive landscape, and the importance of resilience. Mark emphasizes the transformative future of technology while encouraging aspiring founders to stay authentic in their pursuits.

37 snips
Aug 8, 2024 • 22min
Chase Center + Summer Update
Summer vibes kick off with excitement for a live show at the Chase Center featuring Mark Zuckerberg. The hosts reflect on their podcast's organic growth journey and the vibrant community built over nearly a decade. They share standout parenting products like a running stroller and recommend quality sunglasses for family adventures. The conversation also touches on the connection between eyewear brands and a Netflix series highlighting NFL quarterback mental health. It's a lively blend of personal stories and industry insights!

2,531 snips
Jul 22, 2024 • 4h 50min
Microsoft Volume II
Explore Microsoft's remarkable journey from the pinnacle of success in the 90s to navigating legal battles in the early 2000s. Discover the fierce browser wars against Netscape and the complex antitrust lawsuits that reshaped its image. Uncover how Satya Nadella revitalized Microsoft’s culture, pushing for innovation and cloud solutions like Azure. Delve into the company’s ambitious forays into mobile and gaming, alongside pivotal investments like Facebook, all while grappling with the challenges of evolving technology and consumer expectations.

1,759 snips
Jun 4, 2024 • 3h 15min
Starbucks (with Howard Schultz)
Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, shares his remarkable journey in transforming a small coffee roaster into a global phenomenon. He reflects on the evolution of Starbucks from its humble beginnings to becoming a daily ritual for billions. Schultz delves into the innovative strategies behind the brand's iconic customer experience and the challenges faced during its expansion into diverse markets. He emphasizes the importance of employee well-being and community engagement, revealing the heart and soul that drive Starbucks' continued success.


