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by hawkharris
4771 days ago
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If someone doesn't have the skills necessary to solve so-called third world problems -- or if he or she simply is not interested, that's okay. We should feel free to focus on the challenges that appeal to us. I'm just advocating for a little more humility in the tech industry. We should put our contributions in perspective before asserting (as many tech entrepreneurs do) that we're changing the world and people's lives. |
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I'd met with someone last year and built a quick prototype for his idea. Was thinking of doing an actual partnership with him - I'd initially been impressed with his hustle (which turned out not to be as great as I'd initially thought). I'd indicated that I liked the idea, but it was also essentially a feature than foursquare or yelp could add in an afternoon - I'd prototyped the thing in a couple days - what was needed was sales execution on the street to make it happen. With that in mind, I'd asked him what he'd do if, for example, yelp offered a small buyout (say, $2m).
"Oh no, I wouldn't sell - this will change the world - this will replace Facebook in the next 5 years - I wouldn't sell for $50m".
With that, we parted ways. Even if his idea is right - and honestly, I think it will likely come to pass - he/we aren't in a position to take down Facebook, and a small cashout deal would put him in a much better situation to tackle his other ideas. The idea will happen, I'm pretty sure, but not in the way he sees it happening.