WhatsApp

This podcast episode of "Acquired" analyzes Facebook's 2014 acquisition of WhatsApp for $19 billion (later $22 billion). The hosts discuss WhatsApp's journey from a simple status-update app to a globally dominant messaging platform, highlighting key moments like the introduction of push notifications and the strategic decision to initially charge 99 cents for the app. They debate whether the acquisition was a genius move to prevent a competitor from gaining market share or a costly mistake given WhatsApp's lack of immediate monetization. The hosts conclude that Facebook's acquisition was a defensive strategy to neutralize a major threat, even if it hasn't yet yielded direct financial returns. A key takeaway is the importance of recognizing and capitalizing on "magical moments" in technology where a new platform enables a clear, unmet need.