Archive for category: Posts I’ve read

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Setting up for a good acquisition

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“Preparing for a Successful M&A Exit”

Google’s $1.6 billion acquisition of YouTube sprang to life during breakfast at Denny’s just a few short weeks ago – or so the story goes. For this and many other reasons, the YouTube deal is really the exception rather than the rule of M&A today.

There is an old saying: a product well bought is half sold. The most successful software acquisitions are those which are carefully crafted well in advance. Understanding today’s M&A landscape and the new standards involved will help emerging companies ensure a strong exit.

Key points are:

  • Start Early
  • Be Prepared
  • Say “No”
  • Be Patient
  • Know the Buyer Landscape
  • Value Realistically
  • Go Early
  • Look Big
  • Be Ready for Audits
  • Know Your Buyer
  • Meet Deep

Hollow guarantee

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“Microsoft exec “guarantees” graphical superiority for 360 titles”

Talk about PR BS.

I’ve both an Xbox “Classic” and a 360. And the 360 titles are not “superior” to its own predecessor. While I love the 360 for its Media Center integration, the games are underwhelming. I’ve yet to see a game that really takes advantage of the supposed advanced architecture.

The battle against PS3 will definitely be interesting. I believe one of the keys will be how backwards compatible the PS3 will be w/ the immense base of PS2 software. The 360 is sub-optimal in this area and perhaps is an exposed flank.

We’ll see.

Funny and scary video

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Not sure what’s funnier/scarier, the video, or the fact that I’m guilty of at least 50% of the Nerd’s accomplishments?

I’m just shaking my head

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“Demand Media raises $100M for Web site land grab”

Demand Media, the company pursuing the audacious strategy of buying up a bunch of generic Web sites that have no staff generating real content of their own — to throw advertising on them — has raised another $100 million.

No wonder why entrepreneurs new to fund-raising think they can raise $1M over lunch.

You know MySpace is big when Cops post a page

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“Police Department’s Web Site On MySpace

The Haverhill Police Department hopes to enlist the younger generation to help catch criminals by posting the department’s Web site on the popular MySpace.

Why not?

There’s gold in them thar food trays

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“Young Entrepreneur Turns Trash into Cash”

Phillip Tapia launched Tray Display Advertising Inc. into a business in 2004 from the basement of his home. Tapia designed and developed a new advertising concept that turned trash into cash. Tapia has agreed to sell advertising space on the tray liners (placemats) , that Wendy’s use to serve all dine-in customers.

My lesson here is that there’s oppty all around you. Just open your eyes.