Hey there,
Yesterday, I decided to launch a new daily show "The End of the Day Show.”
Yesterday's episode was packed with insights on quitting, big tech acquisitions, and the booming legal tech industry. Let's dive in!
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The Art of Quitting: Lessons from Politics and Startups
"Quitting is a very, very interesting subject right now," and boy, isn't that the truth? We kicked off the show discussing Joe Biden's decision to step down and how it relates to the startup world.
Key takeaways:
Quitting can often be harder than starting or executing
Timing is everything, in politics and business
For startups, knowing when to quit can be crucial for founders, investors, and employees
As a founder myself, I shared some personal reflections on the challenges of knowing when to "land the plane" - whether that means an exit, shutdown, or pivoting to a new model.
The Wiz Saga: A $23 Billion "Almost" Deal?
Remember Wiz? The security company that I first learned about at an event put on by Morgan Stanley in 2022 where all the rave was their innovative onboarding process with the Fortune 500 investment bank? Well, they're back in the news, and it's a doozy. They allegedly turned down a $23 billion offer from Google.
Rumors swirled about a potential $23 billion acquisition by Google
The deal appears to have been strategically "leaked" by Wiz
This move positions Wiz for a potential high-value funding round or IPO
We dissected how companies like Wiz, Figma, and Plaid have used acquisition talks to boost their valuations and leverage in the market. It's a fascinating peek into the chess game of high-stakes tech deals.
Harvey AI: The Legal Tech Disruptor Raising Eyebrows (and Funds)
Last but not least, we dove into the world of legal tech, focusing on the controversial darling, Harvey AI.
Harvey AI just raised $100 million at a $1.5 billion valuation
They've tripled their ARR since December, implying a $30 million run rate
The legal industry's skepticism vs. VC enthusiasm creates an interesting dynamic
We compared Harvey's journey to other legal tech players like Casetext (acquired for $650 million) and Clio (recently raised $900 million at a $3 billion valuation).
Food for Thought
As we navigate this ever-changing tech landscape, here are some questions to ponder:
In your experience, what are the signs that it's time to quit or pivot a project?
How do you think strategic "leaks" like Wiz's affect the tech ecosystem?
Are you bullish on AI's potential to disrupt traditional industries like law? Why or why not?
That's all for today's roundup! Remember, in the world of tech and startups, the only constant is change. Stay curious, stay adaptable, and never stop learning.
Until next time,
Matt Parker
P.S. If you found this valuable, don't forget to share it with your network and subscribe to "The End of the Day Show" for daily insights on tech, VC, and more!
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