Acquired

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.

Doug Leone, Global Managing Partner of Sequoia Capital, shares his journey from an immigrant in America to a leading venture capitalist. He reflects on pivotal moments, including the firm's successful investments in companies like Google and the lessons learned from missing out on Facebook. Leone emphasizes the importance of patience and ethical decision-making in venture capital, as well as the commitment to supporting entrepreneurs through financial challenges. His candid anecdotes reveal the evolution of Sequoia Capital as a respected force in the global investment landscape.

Dive into the intriguing saga of Facebook's $22 billion acquisition of WhatsApp. Was it a savvy strategy or a monumental misstep? Learn about WhatsApp's rise from humble beginnings to a leading messaging platform, and the pivotal decisions shaping its journey. Discover the internal struggles between user privacy and corporate interests after the acquisition. Delve into missed monetization strategies and the app's evolution amid privacy concerns. Join the debate on whether the acquisition was a brilliant chess move or an expensive blunder.

Eric Ries, author of "The Lean Startup" and CEO of the Long-Term Stock Exchange, dives into the evolution of startup methodologies. He discusses how his concepts like product-market fit have shaped the industry since the financial crisis. Ries highlights the LTSE's role in addressing startup ecosystem issues, such as excessive capital raising and governance challenges. He emphasizes the need for long-term investment strategies and better corporate accountability. The conversation also touches on navigating the chaotic startup landscape and empowering early-stage companies with innovative tools.

Dan Lewis, CEO and co-founder of Convoy, shares his journey in revolutionizing the trucking industry through technology. He discusses the challenges of empty trucks on the road and how Convoy's innovative digital freight network addresses these inefficiencies. The conversation touches on the transformative impact of AI tools like Claude, Convoy's rapid growth, and the crucial balance between scaling operations and maintaining service quality. Listeners gain insight into the vital role of strategic thinking and networking in building a successful logistics startup.

Discover the incredible rise of TikTok, a global sensation born from the merger of two Chinese companies. Learn how a mid-30s UX architect shifted the landscape of social media, turning TikTok into a platform that rivals Instagram. Explore its innovative use of AI for content creation and the distinct dynamics that set it apart from traditional networks. Delve into the challenges Faced by Musical.ly and the intense rivalry with Facebook, along with the cybersecurity concerns surrounding its Chinese ownership.

This week, the discussion centers around Disney's bold decision to launch its own streaming service, challenging industry giants like Netflix. The hosts dive into key acquisitions that transformed Disney, like Pixar and Marvel, revealing how these moves reshaped the media landscape. They explore the internal struggles Disney faced and the dramatic Comcast bid that shook its leadership. With insights into Disney's innovative storytelling and direct consumer relationships, this episode reveals the blend of strategic maneuvers that define Disney's future in entertainment.

Dan Primack, a journalist from Axios renowned for his insights on WeWork, recounts the dramatic saga of the We Company. He delves into WeWork's rise to a $47 billion valuation and its startling fall, highlighting the surreal decisions like rewarding ousted CEO Adam Neumann with a $1.7B parachute while employees faced layoffs. The discussion also explores the company's governance issues and investment dynamics, providing a captivating look at how ambition can lead to corporate tragedy.

Join Nolan Bushnell, the visionary founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese, as he shares fascinating tales from the early days of video game innovation. Hear about the origins of Atari, the creation of iconic games like Pong, and how he once hired Steve Jobs. Bushnell dives into his entrepreneurial journey, discussing his unique growth strategies and the cultural impact of gaming. Plus, discover the surprising connections between Atari and Chuck E. Cheese, and the challenges and triumphs that defined his groundbreaking career.