Acquired
By Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal
Every company has a story. Learn the playbooks that built the world’s greatest companies — and how you can apply them.
8 episodes
All Episodes
Formula 1's Chaotic Evolution Into A Lucrative Business Juggernaut
Formula 1 transformed from a chaotic sport into a business juggernaut by professionalizing its operations and leveraging global appeal, creating massive opportunities in media, sponsorship, and investment.
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NFL's "League First" Mentality Built Media Empire
The NFL built an unstoppable media empire by prioritizing league-wide prosperity, mastering narrative, and controlling the fan experience, creating enduring market dominance.
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Costco's Integrated System of Long-Term Value and Operational Rigor
Costco rewrites retail rules by integrating low prices with affluent customers and high wages with superior profitability, building enduring loyalty through long-term member value.
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Acquired's Strategy: Scarcity, Trust, and Deep Research Drive Success
Acquired builds listener trust through infrequent, high-quality content, revealing hidden business brilliance with a unique narrative approach and founder-controlled partnerships.
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Coca-Cola's Genius System: Brand, Bottlers, and Global Dominance
Coca-Cola's enduring global dominance stems from a brilliantly designed "system" of independent bottlers and sophisticated lifestyle branding that embeds happiness and cultural connection into every sip.
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Trader Joe's: The Merchant of Unique, Social Grocery Experiences
Trader Joe's defies retail norms, curating unique products and investing in employees to build a fiercely loyal customer base and achieve unparalleled sales success.
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Google's Transformer Dilemma: Inventing AI, Losing the Race
Google invented the Transformer, yet lagged in generative AI. Now, it strategically pivots with Gemini, leveraging TPUs and Waymo to compete aggressively in the AI revolution.
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Acquired's Live Radio City Show Becomes Stunning Video Special
Acquired transforms into a cinematic spectacle with its first video production, a concert-film-quality recording of a star-studded live show.
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