Acquired

Dive into the gripping journey of a small game developer that evolved into an $18 billion powerhouse. Discover how its founder prioritizes land conservation over profit while challenging giants like Apple and Google. Explore the revolutionary Unreal Engine and the transformative impact of titles like Fortnite. Unpack the gaming industry's evolution amidst strategic innovations and a tumultuous legal landscape. From tackling cybersecurity to envisioning a more open digital future, this narrative highlights the intricacies of creativity and competition in tech.

Julia Hartz, CEO of Eventbrite, and her husband, co-founder Kevin Hartz, share their journey from bootstrapping a startup to navigating an IPO and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the importance of community support and the revival of events. The couple reflects on their entrepreneurial paths, emphasizing adaptability and strategic growth. Their insights on public transparency, cybersecurity in live events, and the emotional rollercoaster of launching as a public company enrich the conversation, blending personal anecdotes with professional wisdom.

Discover the meteoric rise of a Chinese e-commerce titan that blends Costco and Disneyland into a unique shopping experience. Uncover how it disrupted giants like Alibaba and JD.com by connecting rural farmers directly to consumers. Learn about its innovative group-buying strategies, enhanced by WeChat integration, which have transformed social commerce in China. The dynamic interplay of AI and evolving market trends reveals valuable lessons for high-growth companies everywhere.

Explore the incredible journey of Oprah Winfrey, from a challenging upbringing to becoming the world's wealthiest Black woman. Discover how she transformed media with her interactive talk shows and the inception of Harpo Studios. Delve into her groundbreaking book club that reshaped reading habits and the 'Oprah effect' that revolutionized consumer behavior. Highlighting her innovative car giveaways and legacy in influencer marketing, the discussion captures her lasting impact on both culture and business. Prepare to be inspired!

Explore the remarkable ascent of SpaceX as it prepares for a historic human spaceflight. Discover Elon Musk's early entrepreneurial struggles and his vision for Mars colonization. Learn about the innovative strategies that have disrupted the aerospace industry, including the development of the Falcon 9 and the groundbreaking Starlink project. Delve into SpaceX's financial strategies and how it has evolved from a startup to a major player in space logistics, all while redefining the future of interplanetary travel.

Discover the fascinating history of Intel, from its early struggles to its resurgence as a microprocessor leader. The story of Andy Grove, a transformative figure who guided the company through crises, is truly inspiring. Explore the dramatic moments of the 'traitorous eight' leaving Shockley's lab to revolutionize semiconductors. Learn about the pivotal shift in strategy that helped Intel combat fierce competition in the 1980s and the importance of adaptability in technology and business.

Join Jason Calacanis, a veteran entrepreneur and angel investor, as he shares his incredible journey from a kid porter in Brooklyn to a leading voice in tech. He reflects on the intertwining worlds of poker and startup culture, revealing how early experiences shaped his investment strategies. The discussion dives into the evolution of podcasting and the need for independence in media. Jason also offers insights on navigating the angel investment landscape and highlights the rise of data-driven decision-making with companies like Statsig.

On March 5th 2020, Sequoia Capital published a Medium post entitled ‘Coronavirus: The Black Swan of 2020’. The memo minces no words, admonishing founders & CEOs to “question every assumption about your business”, and portends that “as Darwin surmised, those who [will] survive ‘are not the strongest or the most intelligent, but the most adaptable to change.’” We’re joined by longtime Sequoia partner and head of the firm’s US business Roelof Botha to discuss on what Sequoia saw leading up to the memo and why they decided to publish it, how they and their portfolio companies are adapting to the new world it warned of, and what lasting changes might come to Sequoia itself from this moment. For anyone facing hard decisions and/or looking for ways to think about opportunity, this is not one to miss. Sponsors:WorkOS: https://bit.ly/workos25Sentry: https://bit.ly/acquiredsentryServiceNow: https://bit.ly/acquiredsnMore Acquired!:Get email updates with hints on next episode and follow-ups from recent episodesJoin the SlackSubscribe to ACQ2Merch Store!© Copyright 2015-2025 ACQ, LLCLinks:The Black Swan Memo:  https://medium.com/sequoia-capital/coronavirus-the-black-swan-of-2020-7c72bdeb9753 The COVID-19 Decision Matrix:  https://medium.com/sequoia-capital/the-matrix-for-covid-19-c25bd5195f46 

Mark Canlis, owner of Seattle's iconic Canlis restaurant, shares his journey of adapting the family business during the pandemic. He highlights closing their traditional dining room while launching innovative, no-contact dining options to keep staff employed and the community fed. Mark emphasizes that taking bold risks can often be necessary to uphold values. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on the restaurant's rich history, the importance of teamwork, and the power of hope and gratitude even during challenging times.

In this engaging discussion, Hamilton Helmer, author of the highly praised business strategy book "Seven Powers," shares insights into groundbreaking acquisitions. They analyze top deals like Disney's purchases of Pixar and Marvel, examining their strategic impact and financial success. The conversation also delves into pivotal acquisitions by tech giants like Google and Facebook, revealing the transformative power of these decisions. Finally, the hosts discuss the challenges of scalability and how effective acquisitions shape market dynamics, offering a captivating look at business strategy.