Don’t forget Microsoft

Despite its scale, Microsoft is one of the most overlooked companies in tech.

  • It is not a beloved consumer brand like Apple, Facebook, Amazon, or Google.
  • It was not a venture capital success story: Microsoft was too profitable to raise real VC money, so the founders owned 70% at IPO.
  • It is the oldest of FAMGA, hidden away in a different state.
But there is a lot more to Microsoft than meets the eye. If it plays its cards right, Microsoft can become the first $10T company. And startup founders would be wise to learn from the behemoth in Redmond.

This piece undertakes a daunting set of tasks: 1) understand what Microsoft is, 2) chart a path for its global domination, and 3) apply learnings from the company to the startup ecosystem. Read More

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