Acquired

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!

Courtland Allen, founder of Indie Hackers and former YC founder, shares his journey of building a vibrant community for startup founders. He discusses the rise of indie entrepreneurship, emphasizing how the internet enables niche products to thrive. The conversation also explores the implications of Indie Hackers' acquisition by Stripe, focusing on the balance between growth and community engagement. Courtland highlights the transformative power of technology in the indie hacker movement, promoting small-scale ventures as viable and fulfilling business models.

The discussion dives into Airbnb's dramatic journey, from humble beginnings as a makeshift bed and breakfast to becoming a global giant. The impact of the pandemic on travel and Airbnb's shifting strategies are explored, raising questions about future growth. The hosts analyze its unique market position, financial resilience during crises, and the competitive landscape against traditional hotels. They also touch on the founders' friendship and innovative spirit that drove Airbnb's success, making it a captivating tale of entrepreneurship.

Dive into the thrilling rollercoaster journey of DoorDash, from a struggling startup to the forefront of the food delivery scene. Discover how they overcame the challenges of a competitive market and the pandemic's tidal wave of demand. The discussion revolves around the controversial tipping practices, strategic partnerships, and the unique DashPass subscription model that boosts customer loyalty. Explore the implications of their IPO journey and financial strategies as they aim to redefine the future of food delivery.

Packy McCormick, author of the Not Boring newsletter and a leading internet analyst, shares his bullish views on Slack amidst its $27.7 billion acquisition by Salesforce. He delves into Slack's market performance, the rivalry with Microsoft Teams, and implications for enterprise SaaS startups. The discussion highlights strategies for integrating Slack within Salesforce, its branding challenges, and the potential to enhance productivity across organizations. McCormick also offers insights on the evolving dynamics in the tech landscape and what this means for communication software.

Explore the thrilling journey of Virgin Galactic, from winning the XPRIZE to becoming a pioneer in space tourism. Discover the crucial moments, like the development of SpaceShipOne and the financial challenges that followed its public listing. Uncover the role of high-profile investors and the innovative SPAC maneuvers that shaped its future. Delve into the evolving market for space travel and the optimistic, yet cautious outlook for the next decade. The podcast emphasizes both the excitement and hurdles of commercializing space exploration.

Rahul Vohra, CEO of Superhuman and former game designer at RuneScape, shares insights on merging game design with productivity software. He discusses innovative features that enhance user engagement and highlights the emotional design behind the Inbox Zero feature. Vohra explores how principles of fun and flow in gaming can transform software experiences, emphasizing the importance of designing for enjoyment and mastery. His unique perspective is a must-listen for anyone involved in product and software development.

Dick Costolo, former CEO of Twitter, discusses the platform's unique societal impact and its fight for profitability. He shares intriguing alternate histories of social media, including Twitter's missed opportunities with Instagram and Vine. The conversation dives into Twitter's advertising challenges and user experience dynamics amidst competition. Costolo also highlights key moments from Twitter's IPO and navigates the complexities of content moderation during politically charged times, emphasizing the balance between neutrality and social responsibility.

Join Patrick O'Shaughnessy, CEO of O'Shaughnessy Asset Management and host of the Invest Like the Best podcast, as he shares his fascinating journey from philosophy major to tech CEO. He discusses innovative strategies transforming wealth management and the vital role of community and AI in investment. The conversation dives into the evolution of podcasting and venture capital, highlighting the importance of unique content and mentorship. Patrick also emphasizes how kindness in professional environments can lead to significant growth.