Nike (Audio)

Nike - it’s perhaps the most iconic and most prolific brand of the modern era. On any given day, swooshes adorn the feet of more people on earth than any other footwear company - by a long shot.
If you read Shoe Dog or watched Air, you may think you know its history. But Shoe Dog ends in 1980, and Air… well let’s just say it’s an enjoyable piece of fiction. And it turns out (as always) that the real story is filled with far more drama, twists and business lessons than either of those works.
We’ve been wanting to cover Nike for a long time, and thanks to our LPs who voted to choose this episode it’s finally here. So lace up your Vaporflys, Air Maxes, Dunks or Jordans (or your Monarchs, hey we don’t judge), head out for a long run or walk and enjoy!
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Links:
Episode sources
docs.google.com/document/d/1l...
Carve Outs:
Marc Andreessen on Lex Fridman
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Marc Andreessen on Ben Thompson
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Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)
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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.

[@JamesParus]

The video name could be more descriptive so more people would find this gem.

[@enter2713]

Now this was a joy to listen to through the whole thing

[@tauseefferaz]

Holy Moly! ❤ / it's a fun one , love the efforts & research done for the POD.

[@joshdemers2075]

Incredible job on the episode Ben and David! Keep them going!

[@k.s.9400]

I am enjoying these thanks. Could you do Patagonia soon?

[@benhow47]

On the network effect concept: you noted that Nike wants influencers/young people to have access to Nike. That's an illustration of the network effect right there. The value in wearing Nike products for a lot of people is being seen wearing Nike products-because of influencers, Nike has a certain cachet. And also, people wearing certain brands feel like they're part of a community based on that brand (this is true for all kinds of brands). I'd think this effect is similar, but different, for luxury brands, etc.

[@Nedumgottil]

Is there a video version of this episode as well?

[@AcquiredFM]

Not this one! We typically only do video when we record in-person with a guest. Otherwise, it just looks like a recording of a Zoom call :)

[@Ryan.G.Spalding]

Iron man logo tattoos

[@Ryanandboys]

The whole narrative on Nike or other companies exploiting lower-cost laborers probably true in a few cases but mostly if you know anyone from these areas those jobs for highly sought after as they pay a few hundred percent more than what they could be making on self-sufficiency which is more dangerous even hotter. And as a farmer I find it hilarious that child labor is a bad thing 😂 Child labor should be required it's the best thing that ever happened to me I had to work on the very dangerous farm since I was 8 years old. My GF is from the Philippines and growing up her dream job was to work in a call center all night for $2 an hour since her other job was 25 cents an hour in a local hot dog factory and even that was only part time. She laughed when I said people in America want to end call center cuz they are taking advantage of them and paying them so little 😂 she's like that's like saying an American would be taken advantage of if a martian came and offered them $350,000 a year to do an even easier job. You have to compare it to the actual local other options not our options and costs here. In the Philippines a 4 year degree costs $500 vrs often $250,000 at an American high end college.costs are vastly different.

[@Ryan.G.Spalding]

Am I the only one that doesn’t like Nike and own nothing Nike? I would also go out of my way to not buy the Nike item. Not on any ethic grounds or anything, I just associate it with not the best quality or technology and just a brand that portrays poor financial decisions. Like Gucci or something.

[@Ryan.G.Spalding]

If I played basketball, I’d probably get Nike’s. I feel like that is their core competency, but I don’t feel that way about other things. Maybe I’m wrong, I would love to hear about it.