[edent]

Can someone explain why anyone would give this guy any money they wanted back?

I appreciate that people who make mistakes often learn expensive lessons, and that makes them better performers in the long term.

But WeWork - for all the hype - seemed to sub-let commercial space at a loss. Sure, those spaces were nice, and the co-working ecosystem helped recreate the University dorm vibe for those who like that. But the main attraction was high quality facilities at low quality prices.

Is A16Z simply hoping he'll recreate the hype and they'll be able to cash out before it all comes crashing down?

[throw0330]

Someone once told me not to think of A16Z as a venture capital firm, but a publicity front that has an investment engine behind it.

[mrep]

> Is A16Z simply hoping he'll recreate the hype and they'll be able to cash out before it all comes crashing down?

Yes, this is the same VC firm that argues against 10 year exercise windows in the hopes that employees who leave will elect not to exercise their earned vested options in the normal 90 day window thus forfeiting their options and reducing investor dilution [0]. They'll do anything to make an extra buck.

[0]: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=11963551

[skrebbel]

> Is A16Z simply hoping he'll recreate the hype and they'll be able to cash out before it all comes crashing down?

Yes

[thedrbrian]

>Can someone explain why anyone would give this guy any money they wanted back?

Because they are hoping they can get out at the top. They're looking for someone else to take the massive loses.

See the greater fool theory

[datavirtue]

Boredom. Humanity's greatest threat.

[sergefaguet]

he is a genius and one of the most talented people in the world.

just watch this video and check out his charm, communication skills, ability to speak: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dgp-CM-gQik&feature=youtu.be

of course you want to bet on him, his talents are an unfair advantage in just about any business.

[bambax]

> check out his charm

It doesn't reach me personally, but of course con men have charm. It's kind of necessary in that line of work. You can't scam people of billions of dollars without a little bit of "charm".