Acquired

Cozy up for a year-end recap, where the hosts reflect on significant moments in tech and their favorite things of 2022. They share insights on the evolving landscape of security in startups and how social media is changing the music industry. Personal anecdotes highlight the original iPhone's impact and the role of technology in retail innovation, while discussions on podcast production reveal the creative balance they strive for. Finally, they celebrate community engagement and recommend impactful reads that shaped their perspectives.

Ben Thompson, founder of Stratechery, shares insights celebrating a decade of his influential work at the crossroads of business and technology. He discusses pioneering subscription models that have shaped digital media, and the evolution of Stratechery into a broader content platform. Thompson elaborates on navigating audience engagement, balancing subscriber dynamics, and the transformative impact of tech on venture capital. Personal anecdotes add depth as he reflects on his journey and the cultural nuances that influence content creation.

Explore the grand saga of Enron, the ultimate corporate collapse driven by greed and deception. Discover how risky trading practices and manipulative accounting led to a financial façade that crumbled spectacularly. The fascinating parallels between Enron and the recent FTX scandal raise questions about accountability and ethics in business. Dive into the chilling strategies employed by Enron traders in deregulated markets and the ripple effects felt across the corporate world, resulting in landmark legislation aimed at preventing future disasters.

Discover the fascinating story behind Qualcomm, a pivotal player in wireless communication technology. Delve into the groundbreaking innovations of Hedy Lamarr, who, alongside George Antheil, pioneered frequency-hopping that revolutionized telecommunications. Explore Qualcomm's rise from a small consultancy to a major force in cellular technology, including challenges faced in adopting CDMA over TDMA. The narrative takes unexpected turns, revealing legal battles, strategic shifts, and a glimpse into the future of high-performance chips in a competitive landscape.

Join Peter Fenton, Sarah Tavel, Chatham Williams, and Eric Vishria from Benchmark for a captivating discussion. They share insights on their unique investment strategies, the significance of informal dinners in fostering partnership culture, and the emotional complexities of venture decision-making. The team delves into what it takes to become a Benchmark GP and why there's no growth fund, along with their supportive ethos towards entrepreneurs. Listen to their humorous takes on family dynamics and the evolving landscape of venture capital!

Jason Calacanis, a dynamic entrepreneur and angel investor, shares his journey through tech and media, revealing the behind-the-scenes of his popular podcast 'All-In.' He discusses his evolving motivations at 50+, the changing landscape of entrepreneurship, and the importance of diverse voices in the industry. Listeners will enjoy insights on navigating fame, the dynamics of venture capital, and humorous anecdotes about wealth and life lessons, all while sipping wine and enjoying lively banter in this relaxed, candid conversation.

Discover the fascinating evolution of Benchmark Capital, a venture firm that has uniquely transitioned through generations of leadership. The discussion delves into the intriguing rise of eBay and the strategic investments that shaped its success. Learn about the complexities of venture capital partnerships, the challenges of profit distribution, and the psychological dynamics at play. With insights into the firm's innovative philosophy and its pioneering approach to online commerce, this narrative is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the venture capital landscape.

Discover how Amazon evolved from an online book retailer into a powerhouse in cloud computing with AWS. The discussion dives into the surprising profit margins of AWS versus retail, its innovative business models, and the complexities of Amazon's infrastructure. Explore the strategic evolution of AWS and its impact on startups, the competitive cloud landscape, and even the cultural reflections of Amazon's broader influence. It’s a fascinating journey through technology and entrepreneurial vision.

Join legendary investor Howard Marks, co-founder of Oaktree Capital, and his son Andrew Marks, founder of TQ Ventures, as they explore the intriguing synergy between value and growth investing. They discuss Howard's influential memo on this dynamic, share insights on navigating volatile markets, and reveal how their father-son collaboration enriched their perspectives. The conversation also touches on assessing founders beyond credentials and the psychological intricacies of investment decisions. It's a fascinating dive into modern investing, blending wisdom and fresh perspectives!

Dive into the extraordinary evolution of Amazon.com and its unparalleled impact on e-commerce and modern life. Explore how Jeff Bezos's vision transformed the retail landscape, the challenges faced in the early days, and Amazon's strategic moves against competitors like eBay. Discover the innovative birth of the Kindle and the significance of Amazon's subscription model for customer loyalty. Lastly, delve into Bezos' long-term approach to maximizing future cash flows, shaping how businesses think about growth and investment.