#3: Mr. Beast's burger bust and will M&A ever return?

Entrepreneurs and investors the Morins and the Lessins discuss what the antitrust armageddon means for venture capitalists and the challenges of creator-led businesses. Plus, Pharrell's debut (tech?) fashion collection and what we learned this week. Discussed: https://www.theinformation.com/briefings/ftc-sues-amazon-for-manipulative-prime-signup-process https://www.theinformation.com/briefings/google-microsoft-ftc-complaint-antitrust-cloud-licensing https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-23/doj-preparing-suit-to-block-adobe-s-20-billion-deal-for-figma https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/pharrell-williams-stages-louis-vuitton-debut-pont-neuf-2023-06-20/ Show Notes: 00:02 - Antitrust actions against big tech companies like Amazon, Google and Meta are making acquisitions difficult for startups. This is limiting venture capital returns though these lawsuits are expected. There are few exit opportunities. 07:11 - Funding creators through a holding company that owns their various ventures better aligns their incentives with investors'. This approach works better than funding individual creator projects like Mr Beast burgers which can fail. 13:13 - Taylor Swift's fans making and trading friendship bracelets with her song lyrics at concerts has become a collectible marketplace. This shows how trends can emerge organically in the creator economy. 26:00 - Investing in verticals that creators fully own may yield better returns than individual projects. This distributes risk across multiple revenue streams. 37:23 - Pharrell Williams' Minecraft-inspired fashion show for LVMH highlights how gaming and online culture is influencing trends in fashion and design. 46:08 - Technology that can play music outdoors at high volume yet remain inaudible to neighbors is exciting though still nascent. When it works, it renews enthusiasm for innovation. 47:20 - While the Bay Area faces challenges, the energy and innovation in Silicon Valley that has fueled tech growth remains alive. Brought To You By: The Information Slow Ventures Offline Ventures