Acquired

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:Anthropic: https://bit.ly/acquiredclaude25ServiceNow: https://bit.ly/acquiredsnVanta: http://vanta.com/acquiredStatsig: https://bit.ly/acquiredstatsig25More 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.

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.