Balancing risk and success in innovation

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Innovation is inherently risky, and leveraging existing power is a less risky approach. Amazon's success with Amazon Web Services (AWS) exemplifies the risk and reward of venturing into invention. While AWS thrived, Amazon faced failures like the Fire phone and Alexa, highlighting the unpredictability of continuous successful invention. Pursuing innovation is advisable only when necessary, with co-action being a favorable path to success in the innovation realm.

7 Powers author Hamilton Helmer and his Strategy Capital colleague Chenyi Shi join us again to discuss their latest research on a topic that’s highly relevant to the recent Acquired canon: how to build a second business line. This incredibly important “transforming” question faces every great company who has achieved initial product success (as well as their investors). Do we continue solely along the established path, or do we attempt to grow new branches on the tree? Some companies grow new businesses with tremendous success — Amazon and AWS, Nintendo and video games, Nvidia and CUDA — yet many others fail miserably. For the first time Hamilton and Chenyi share their research-based playbook on how companies should approach this decision and choose wisely. Tune in!

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Note: Acquired hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.