

Acquired
Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal
Every company has a story.
Learn the playbooks that built the world’s greatest companies — and how you can apply them.
Learn the playbooks that built the world’s greatest companies — and how you can apply them.
Episodes
Mentioned books

38 snips
Jun 21, 2021 • 1h 51min
Special: Ho Nam from Altos Ventures — A Different Approach to VC
Ho Nam, Partner at Altos Ventures, is known for his innovative approach to venture capital by combining value investing principles with early-stage funding. In this discussion, he explores Altos's journey with companies like Roblox and its unique fund structure that allows for longer-term investment. Ho highlights the traits of successful entrepreneurs and the philosophy of viewing venture capital as a collaborative effort, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and deep connections in identifying exceptional businesses.

246 snips
Jun 7, 2021 • 2h 57min
Berkshire Hathaway Part III
The podcast explores Berkshire Hathaway's transition into the digital era, pondering how Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger adapt to technological changes. It dives into Buffett's unique investment strategies and the soaring fortunes of him and Bill Gates in the ’90s. Coca-Cola's marketing blunders and Warren's skepticism towards tech stocks reflect his cautious approach in a volatile landscape. The discussion unfolds around Buffett's philanthropic journey and succession planning, concluding with a look at Berkshire's future post-Buffett and the impact of their monumental Apple investment.

9 snips
May 27, 2021 • 1h 18min
Special: Amazon Unbound (with Brad Stone)
Brad Stone, the author behind "Amazon Unbound" and "The Everything Store," provides a fascinating look at Amazon's transformation into a powerhouse of interlocking businesses. He shares insights into the pivotal moments that prompted a sequel to his book and the company's shift from a flywheel strategy to a more complex model. Stone discusses Amazon's surging ambitions in the entertainment sector and its strategic investments, including the MGM deal, while reflecting on the evolving culture that extends beyond Jeff Bezos himself.

357 snips
May 12, 2021 • 3h 1min
Berkshire Hathaway Part II
In a captivating conversation with Charlie Munger, the brilliant business magnate and longtime partner of Warren Buffett, the podcast dives into Buffett's transformative journey beyond his 'cigar butt' investment approach. They discuss the nearly catastrophic collapse of Berkshire Hathaway and the company's evolution into a collector of exceptional businesses. Munger shares insights on the pivotal decisions that defined their partnership and how mispricing in the insurance sector poses significant challenges. Their witty banter unveils investment philosophies that shaped modern finance.

May 5, 2021 • 1h 19min
Special: 2021 China Tech Trends (with Tech Buzz China)
Rui Ma and Ying Lu, co-hosts of Tech Buzz China, illuminate the fast-evolving Chinese tech landscape. They discuss how they stay informed from the U.S. while exploring the rise of innovative consumer brands like Genki Forest and Shein. The conversation highlights community group buying transforming commerce in rural areas, along with China’s booming electric vehicle sector driven by major tech firms. Their insights reveal critical trends that challenge Western perceptions of China’s tech revolution.

580 snips
Apr 21, 2021 • 3h 11min
Berkshire Hathaway Part I
Dive into the fascinating journey of Warren Buffett, from an entrepreneurial kid in Omaha to a legendary investor. Discover how he turned Berkshire Hathaway from a struggling textile mill to an investment powerhouse, and learn about his evolving strategies, including the lessons from Geico. The episode also highlights Buffett's early aversions, pivotal relationships, and the momentous shift in his investment philosophy towards valuing brand equity. It's a captivating exploration of the life and mind behind one of capitalism's greatest icons.

4 snips
Apr 6, 2021 • 1h 27min
Special: "Why Now" for Digital Health (with Levels founder Josh Clemente)
Join Josh Clemente, founder of Levels and former SpaceX engineer, as he discusses the evolution of digital health and its impact on metabolic awareness. Josh shares his personal journey transitioning from high-stakes aerospace engineering to innovative health tech, revealing how stress and diet influence blood sugar. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of direct-to-consumer health solutions, the role of continuous glucose monitors, and the exciting future of personalized health subscriptions.

Mar 24, 2021 • 1h 57min
Rec Room Part II (with CEO Nick Fajt)
In this conversation with Nick Fajt, Founder and CEO of Rec Room, listeners discover the remarkable journey of the platform transforming into a billion-dollar social space. Fajt shares insights on fostering a creator economy and adapting from virtual reality to mobile gaming. The discussion highlights Rec Room's improvisational culture, the significance of user-generated content, and the balance between community engagement and business sustainability. They also delve into future growth strategies and the evolving landscape of digital entrepreneurship.

100 snips
Mar 10, 2021 • 2h 22min
Meituan
Dive into the fascinating journey of Meituan, a dominant Chinese super-app that has transformed the services economy. Explore its rapid ascent to become China's third-largest tech giant, outpacing established competitors. Uncover the entrepreneurial spirit of Wang Xing and the strategic innovations that enabled Meituan's growth, particularly in the competitive food delivery market. Learn how it has adapted to market challenges and consumer behaviors, while integrating diverse services and navigating the complexities of China's tech landscape.

130 snips
Feb 18, 2021 • 3h 8min
The New York Times Company
Delve into the extraordinary rise, fall, and resurgence of The New York Times over 170 years. Discover how it navigated the challenges of the digital age, turning potential disaster into significant subscriber growth. Explore the evolution from print dominance to a thriving digital powerhouse, including innovative strategies and a commitment to quality journalism. Uncover the pivotal role of key figures like Adolph Ochs in its revival and reflect on the enduring value of journalism in modern society.