Acquired

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alfred Lin, Partner at Sequoia Capital, shares insights from nearly five decades of the firm's investment strategies. He discusses the importance of a prepared mindset for evaluating markets, illustrated by case studies of Airbnb and DoorDash. Lin emphasizes the balance between structured thinking and creativity in identifying opportunities. He also highlights key traits Sequoia looks for in potential hires, underscoring the value of learning from success and failure in venture capital.

Dive into the wild world of Bitcoin, from its humble beginnings with a pizza transaction to its staggering price skyrocket. Uncover the vulnerabilities of traditional banking systems and how Bitcoin emerged as a decentralized alternative. Explore the revolutionary role of cryptography in securing transactions and the economic dynamics that influence its value. Join the discussion on Bitcoin’s environmental impact and its potential to reshape our financial future, especially in an era of low-interest rates and inflation. A riveting journey awaits!