
The Synopsis
Speedwell Research spends hundreds of hours researching public businesses each month and in "The Synopsis" they share their key learnings. Most business podcasts are superficial and assume their listeners are unsophisticated. In contrast, The Synopsis trusts listeners are interested in learning about complex, industry-specific issues, so long as they are explained clearly. We cover businesses from inception to current day, coupling business analysis and an investors lens. Start listening today to become a better analyst and investor.
Latest episodes

11 snips
Feb 14, 2024 • 1h 20min
Interview. Mostly Borrowed Ideas on Google, Meta, and Investment Decision Quality
In this interview, Mostly Borrowed Ideas provides deep insights into Meta, Google, and investment decision quality. Topics discussed include Meta's challenges, Google's future, constraints in cloud computing, Meta's real estate investments, the importance of writing in investment decision making, and the danger of borrowed confidence.

Feb 13, 2024 • 35min
Dialogue. Meta, Etsy, and Snowballing Risk
A discussion on investment risks impacting Etsy and Meta, with insights on Etsy's value proposition and Meta's key risks. The podcast explores the impact of new competitors like Timu on Etsy's advertising strategy and analyzes ad tech changes affecting Meta's stock value. It also delves into challenges in marketing strategies and the complexity of digital advertising evolution.

Feb 9, 2024 • 31min
Article. Etsy Business History
In this episode of The Synopsis we read an excerpt from our 79 page Etsy Report, covering Etsy's Business History. If you prefer to read instead of listening to this article, you can find access to it below. Article Link: https://www.speedwellmemos.com/p/etsy-business-history -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- Show Notes (0:00) – Important Announcement (0:45) – Intro (1:36) – Article Reading Starts (30:31) – Closing Comments -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- Purchase Etsy Research Report Purchase a Speedwell Membership to gain access to all of Speedwell’s Research Reports, Models, Company Updates, and more. Speedwell Research's main website can be found here. Speedwell's free newsletter can be found here. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- Twitter: @Speedwell_LLC Threads: @speedwell_research Email us at info@speedwellresearch.com for any questions, comments, or feedback -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- Disclaimer Nothing in this podcast is investment advice nor should be construed as such. Please see our full disclaimers here: https://speedwellresearch.com/disclaimer/

17 snips
Feb 6, 2024 • 45min
Dialogue. A New Mental Model: The Piton Network
Charlie Munger discusses the Latticework of Mental Models and the importance of metaphors in connecting different disciplines. The podcast explores the two Piton Network business philosophy memos, focusing on decision clusters, optimization in business, case studies of Restoration Hardware and Netflix, and the significance of the Piton Network in analyzing executive decisions.

Feb 2, 2024 • 30min
Article. Meta-Optimizations: Knowing When a Business is Operating from Strength or Weakness
Delving into business strategies, the podcast explores optimizing from strength or weakness, meta-optimizations, supply chain efficiency, and Netflix's shift to streaming. Insightful case studies and examples showcase the importance of balancing variables for success.

5 snips
Jan 30, 2024 • 38min
Dialogue. Lessons We Can't Draw From Wish
The podcast dives into the tumultuous journey of the e-commerce platform Wish, revealing the stark contrast between its initial allure and eventual financial woes. Discover how Wish's price-centric model faces challenges compared to giants like Amazon and Pinduoduo. It also explores critical concepts like customer acquisition costs, lifetime value, and the dangers of maintenance marketing. Listeners will gain insights into the complexities of business failures, emphasizing the need for data-driven strategies to navigate the unpredictable world of e-commerce.

10 snips
Jan 26, 2024 • 30min
Article. The Future of Ecommerce That Wasn’t: An In-depth Look into What Went Wrong with Wish
This podcast discusses the failure of Wish, an e-commerce platform. It compares Wish's unique approach to Amazon's and analyzes the reasons behind Wish's failure, including ineffective advertising. The podcast also explores the factors contributing to Wish's success and downfall, such as their user acquisition engine and direct relationships with manufacturers. It addresses criticisms of low-quality products and slow shipping times. The struggles in attracting new shoppers and the impact of rising advertising costs are also discussed.

Jan 24, 2024 • 2h 13min
Company. Evolution: Bringing the Casino Online
This podcast covers Evolution, a leading live casino supplier in the online casino space. It discusses Evolution's history, market dominance, and differentiation strategies. It also explores the complexities of the gaming industry, customer acquisition, and the advantage of direct customer relationships. The podcast analyzes Evolution's business model, competitive advantages, and their partnerships with land-based casinos. Additionally, it delves into pricing strategies, capital allocation, company acquisitions and growth, and the potential impact of increasing gaming taxes.

14 snips
Jan 19, 2024 • 21min
Article. Ten Lessons from Copart's 40 Years in Business: Learning from Willis Johnson and Jay Adair
Discover the remarkable journey of Copart, evolving from a small junkyard to a leading global auction giant. The discussion uncovers ten vital lessons, like the power of early problem-solving and the transformative impact of online bidding. Delve into strategic insights that emphasize the importance of aligning incentives and leveraging data for stability. The hosts also share valuable takeaways on demonstrating value, managing finances wisely, and the critical role of exceptional customer service in thriving within the automotive auction industry.

12 snips
Jan 15, 2024 • 36min
Dialogue. Threats to Google's Search Dominance
This podcast discusses threats to Google's search dominance, including product encroachment and form function change. They also explore the impact of AI on Google's business and the risks it poses. The hosts touch on the history of the I'm Feeling Lucky button and its impact on search monetization. They also discuss a DOJ case against Google and Apple's interest in search revenue. The speakers explore the parallels between Google and Facebook during the mobile shift.