Acquired

Brad Gerstner, the Founder and CEO of Altimeter Capital, shares insights on how his firm shifted the landscape of investing by successfully combining hedge fund and venture capital strategies. He discusses the evolution of Altimeter from a modest $3M fund to managing nearly $15B and its investments in tech giants like Snowflake and Facebook. Gerstner reflects on the changing dynamics of entrepreneurship, the importance of mentorship, and the role of AI in modern investing. His perspective on the future of venture capital and democratizing investment opportunities is both enlightening and thought-provoking.

Discover the remarkable journey of Sony, born from post-WWII Japan's ashes, and its rise as a global tech giant. Explore the transformative impact of iconic products like the Walkman and PlayStation. Learn about the fierce competition with Apple and Nintendo, the complexities of acquiring CBS Records, and the longstanding legacy of the Spider-Man film rights. Dive into Sony's innovative strategies and financial evolution as it navigates a rapidly changing marketplace.

In this engaging discussion, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, an acclaimed actor and founder of HitRecord, alongside Brian Koppelman, a talented showrunner known for Billions, delve into the adaptation of Uber's tumultuous story into their series, Super Pumped. They enthusiastically unpack the challenges of crafting compelling narratives from real-life events and the responsibility of storytellers in today's culture. They also reflect on innovative techniques used during filming and the dynamic interplay between ambition and morality within the entrepreneurial landscape.

Brendan Eich, CEO of the Brave Browser, is a pivotal figure in web history, credited with inventing JavaScript and shaping both Netscape and Mozilla. In this engaging discussion, he covers the Brave browser's unique approach to user privacy using attention tokens and its impact on online advertising. Brendan also dives into the evolution of browsers, the ongoing 'browser wars,' and how Brave is navigating the crypto landscape. His insights into integrating AI with cryptocurrency and maintaining user privacy in a tech-dominated world are particularly thought-provoking.

Peloton's journey is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, from pandemic darling to a significant stock downturn. The arrival of new CEO Barry McCarthy promises fresh leadership amid recent layoffs. The podcast also delves into Peloton's innovative marketing strategies, the rise in subscriptions during the pandemic, and the controversial holiday commercial that unexpectedly boosted their brand. Their evolution from boutique fitness to a powerful business model emphasizes community, while financial challenges and strategic partnerships are explored in depth.

This deep dive into Taylor Swift's career showcases her as the unrivaled force redefining the music industry. Explore her strategic re-recordings to reclaim ownership and the impact of her chart dominance on artist rights. Discover her early struggles in Nashville, her connections with fans through social media, and the significance of her groundbreaking songwriting. The discussion also highlights the economic implications of streaming on artists, painting a vivid picture of Swift's unique position in the realm of celebrity and artistry.

Michael Ovitz, the mastermind behind Creative Artists Agency, transformed Hollywood and shaped talent representation practices. He dives into the genesis of iconic films like Jurassic Park and discusses the evolution of the entertainment industry, revealing the dynamic between talent and studios. Ovitz reflects on CAA's innovative strategies, including their unique teamwork approach and international relationships that changed the landscape. The conversation also touches on emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity, showcasing how creativity and adaptability drive success.

Sam Bankman-Fried, the innovative CEO of FTX, joins writer Mario Gabriele for an enlightening discussion. They explore the astonishing rise of FTX, which reached a $25 billion valuation in just two years, and discuss strategic insights into the crypto exchange landscape. Topics include lucrative arbitrage opportunities, FTX’s unique branding approach, and the complexities of risk management in trading. They reflect on regulatory challenges and the future of cryptocurrency, offering a thought-provoking look at the industry's evolving dynamics.

Hamilton Helmer, the author of "Seven Powers" and an esteemed strategy consultant, joins to discuss his framework for building enduring companies. He highlights how timing and market power shaped the success of giants like Apple and Microsoft. The conversation dives into the importance of product-market fit and sustainable pricing strategies, with case studies from Uber and Slack. Helmer also explores the dynamics of switching costs in SaaS and the future evolution of technology sectors, emphasizing leadership’s role in innovation.

Packy McCormick, founder of 'Not Boring,' dives into the intriguing intersection of media and entrepreneurship. He explores how creators can evolve into companies and the potential of one person leveraging the internet. McCormick shares insights on building personal brands, the balance between authenticity and monetization, and his own experiences in navigating content creation. The discussion also highlights innovative sponsorship strategies and the transformative impact of AI on productivity and creative processes. Tune in for a deep dive into modern media dynamics!