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  • Emmett Shear: Silicon Valley’s Big Name

    “We can’t learn how to build a safe AI without experimenting, and we can’t experiment without progress, but we probably shouldn’t be barrelling ahead at max speed either,” Emmett Shear.

    OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has selected Emmett Shear, the former CEO of Twitch, as its acting CEO, taking over from Mira Murati. The company recently ousted previous CEO Sam Altman in a move that shocked the tech community. Shear is well-known for being an active advocate of safety in the advancement of artificial intelligence.

    Emmett Shear – Biography

    Name Emmett Shear
    Born 1983
    Nationality American
    Education Yale University
    Position Interim CEO, OpenAI

    Emmett Shear – Early Life
    Emmett Shear – Career
    Emmett Shear – Philanthropy
    Emmett Shear – Investments
    Emmett Shear – Controversy
    Emmett Shear – Awards and Recognitions

    Emmett Shear – Early Life

    Emmett Shear was raised in Seattle and went to the Evergreen School for Gifted Children. Shear, who was born in 1983, earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Yale University in 2005.

    Emmett Shear – Career

    Shear’s career began in 2005, when he, alongside Justin Kan, co-founded Kiko Software. After a year, he co-founded Justin.TV, Twitch’s precursor, where he served as Chief Technology Officer. He was also appointed as a part-time partner at Y Combinator. Shear was Twitch’s CEO until March 2023. At present, he is appointed as the interim CEO of OpenAI, replacing Mira Murati, who was earlier designated as interim CEO after Sam Altman’s exit.

    Emmett Shear – Kiko Software

    In the year 2005, after graduating from Yale, he and Justin Kan co-founded Kiko Software, which was subsequently sold on eBay for $250,000 when Google Calendar became public. He was there for a year and nine months until co-founding Justin.TV, the predecessor of Twitch, in September 2006.

    Emmett Shear – Justin.TV

    For five years and three months as Chief Technology Officer of Justin.TV, Shear was in charge of coding, hiring, and technical administration.

    Simultaneously, he was a part-time partner at Y. Combinator, a renowned San Francisco startup incubator that Altman led from 2014 to 2019.

    Emmett Shear – Twitch

    Shear served as CEO of Twitch until March 2023, a business he co-founded but was subsequently bought by Amazon in 2014, where he spent over a decade transforming the firm from Justin.TV into the world’s most popular video game broadcasting service. He was then appointed as a Visiting Group Partner at Y Combinator, where he assisted each batch of new entrepreneurs.

    What is Twitch

    Emmett Shear – OpenAI

    Shear was named interim CEO of OpenAI on November 19, 2023, succeeding Mira Murati as interim CEO following the board’s ouster of Sam Altman.

    Shear is well-known for being a staunch advocate of the “safety” side of the AI debate. He has compared AI safety to managing the creation of an alien god. Shear has expressed opinions on the dangers of artificial intelligence in interviews and on social media that the OpenAI board members may find compelling.

    Shear’s hiring attempts to stabilize the firm and resolve employee and larger AI community concerns.

    Shear laid forth a three-point strategy for the next 30 days, emphasizing openness and change. This strategy includes appointing an independent investigator to investigate the events leading up to Altman’s departure, engaging with employees, partners, investors, and consumers, and reforming the management and leadership teams.

    Comprehending the disturbance, he intends to address significant concerns. However, he recognizes that certain issues may take longer than a month to fix. Despite the changes, Shear confirmed that OpenAI’s cooperation with Microsoft remained sturdy, emphasizing his dedication to serving customers successfully.

    The surprising events at OpenAI raise concerns about the company’s future and role in furthering Artificial Intelligence technology. Shear examines the challenge of fixing internal disputes, preserving transparency, and sustaining OpenAI’s position as a prominent participant in the AI ecosystem.

    More research and development is planned. Additionally, contracts must be signed to ensure that individuals who are experimenting with GPT commit to becoming long-term users.

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    Emmett Shear – Philanthropy

    Shear contributed the initial US$1 million to launch an SF New Deal, a non-profit organization that purchased meals from San Francisco eateries and delivered them to individuals in need via Twitch in March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. His Yale undergraduate friend Leonore Estrada, who managed the Three Babes Bakeshop in San Francisco’s Bayview district, founded the organization.

    Emmett Shear – Investments

    Shear has invested in several different rounds in various companies.

    Name of the Company Funding Round Investments Date
    Pilot AI Venture Round Mar 21, 2023
    Artifact Seed Round Dec 15, 2022
    GGWP Seed Round Mar 21, 2022
    Dashworks Seed Round Jan 28, 2022
    ForeVR Games Seed Round Aug 17, 2021
    ForeVR Games Seed Round Dec 11, 2020
    Quell Seed Round Dec 07, 2020
    Clipboard Health Series A Sep 11, 2019
    Peerwell Series A Aug 27, 2019

    Emmett Shear – Controversy

    He was criticized, among other things, for how he handled allegations in 2020 that the environment at Twitch was unwelcoming to women and for how slowly the platform reacted to offensive material.

    His emphasis on guiding Twitch toward profitability through cost-cutting measures was also criticized by several staff members and live streamers as undermining the platform’s quality.

    “Using gen AI to write pickup lines for the apps, call that shooting my zero-shot,” Shear once wrote and posted. Whether this was a joke or not is unknown.

    Emmett Shear – Awards and Recognitions

    • Forbes Magazine recognised him on their 30 under 30 list in 2012.
    • Twitch debuted in 2011, and The Wall Street Journal reported in 2014 that the brand had the fourth-highest peak internet traffic in the United States.

    FAQs

    Is Emmett Shear the CEO of Twitch?

    No, Emmett Shear is not the CEO of Twitch; he resigned in March 2023.

    Who is the interim CEO of OpenAI?

    Emmett Shear is the interim CEO of OpenAI, taking over Mira Murati and former CEO Sam Altman.

    Who owns OpenAI?

    OpenAI is owned by investors, including Microsoft, other stakeholders, and the original OpenAI non-profit foundation.

  • Top 8 Best Free Streaming Software to Consider in 2023

    Video streaming has become an essential part of our lives, whether it’s for entertainment, education, or communication. The video streaming technology is evolving with each passing day and users are searching for the most appropriate and right streaming software that doesn’t come with an expensive price and even free. The right video streaming software would outlay your video with a professional glimpse along with the custom logo, high-resolution streaming, mixed audio and more.

    While there are many paid options available, there are also plenty of free video streaming software options that offer powerful features and tools for content creators and streamers. With so much competition among software companies, developers are constantly working on creating the best performing and most convenient video streaming software to meet user demands. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to find the most suitable software for your system. To help make your search more convenient, we have researched and ranked the top video streaming software options based on their key features. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, this guide will assist you in finding the right video streaming software for your needs. So, let’s dive in and explore the top video streaming software options for 2023.

    Best Free Streaming Software

    OBS Studio
    Streamlabs OBS
    Streamyard
    FFsplit
    Restream
    OneStream
    Adobe Flash Media Live Encoder
    XSplit Broadcaster

    OBS Studio

    Website Obsproject.com
    Rating 4.7 out of 5
    Best For Beginners

    OBS Studio - Free Streaming Software
    OBS Studio – Free Streaming Software

    OBS Studio is a free and open-source streaming software that has gained widespread popularity among content creators and streamers. It supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux, and provides powerful features and tools for live streaming and recording.

    OBS Studio is widely preferred for its high-tech intuitive interface that comes along with some distinctive features, easily accessible by professionals as well as beginners. OBS comes with some great facilities for accessing files from different locations like capture card or computer folders.  Moreover, it allow you to complete the process of configuration with the help of distinguished features and settings.

    Key Features

    • An expansive range of editing tools and filters.
    • Allows you to add more than two sources to the timeline for the purpose of customized projects.

    Pros:

    • Free and open source
    • Custom transition
    • Noise suppression
    • Studio mode to preview the recordings
    • Knowledge base and community forum to learn and discuss
    • Ability to arrange the layout according to your need

    Cons:

    • The user interface can be simple
    • Steep learning curve

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    Streamlabs OBS

    Website Streamlabs.com
    Rating 4.2 out of 5
    Best For Professional streamers

    Streamlabs OBS - Best streaming software
    Streamlabs OBS

    Streamlabs OBS is a free and open-source streaming software designed for gamers, content creators, and live streamers. It combines the features of OBS Studio with additional tools and functionalities, making it easy for users to create professional-quality live streams without needing advanced technical knowledge.

    Key Features

    • Users can create and customize their own overlays and themes to give their live streams a unique look and feel.
    • Streamlabs OBS includes built-in alerts and notifications for various events, such as new followers, donations, and subscribers.
    • Streamlabs OBS can automatically optimize stream settings based on the user’s internet speed and hardware configuration, ensuring a smooth and high-quality streaming experience.
    • Streamlabs OBS can stream to various platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and more, making it easy for users to reach a wider audience.

    Pros:

    • Simple to collaborate by sending the invitation link
    • 100+ free overlay themes
    • Personalized layout
    • Different kinds of custom alerts while streaming
    • Interactive poll feature
    • Free chatbot

    Cons:

    • Takes too much CPU power

    Streamyard

    Website Streamyard.com
    Rating 4.7 out of 5
    Best For Simple web-based live streaming

    Streamyard - Free Live Streaming Software
    Streamyard

    Streamyard is a web-based live streaming software designed for content creators, businesses, and educators who want to broadcast their events and engage with their audiences. It allows users to easily create professional-quality live streams using their web browser without needing any additional software or hardware.

    Key Features

    • Streamyard allows users to stream to multiple platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and others simultaneously, making it easier to reach a wider audience.
    • Users can customize their live stream with their own branding elements such as logos, colors, and backgrounds, giving their stream a professional look and feel.
    • Streamyard offers a range of interactive features such as audience polls, chat moderation, and guest invitations, allowing users to engage with their audience more effectively.
    • Streamyard provides users with analytics data such as viewer count, engagement metrics, and more, helping them to understand their audience and improve their live streaming strategy.

    Pros:

    • The free plan is available
    • Customizable background
    • 7 different video layouts to choose from
    • Screen sharing
    • Private chat
    • Cloud-based software
    • Ability to embed the webinar into the website

    Cons:

    • Can’t customize the layout of the interface
    • The live poll feature is missing

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    FFsplit

    Website www.ffsplit.com
    Rating 3.5 out of 5
    Best For New-comers to Live Streaming

    FFsplit - Live Stream Software
    FFsplit – Live Stream Software

    FFsplit is only built for Windows users. The software is a freeware program that helps you to capture desktop activities along with high-resolution video streaming. It easily records the activities that are functioning on the desktop and lets you stream further through different websites. FFsplit also has the facility of saving the streaming for future requirements.

    Key Features

    • Hotkey Feature, which makes the process for beginners absolutely convenient and handy.
    • Easy access to the webcam that offers a great range of outlines the needs of professionals.

    Pros:

    • Completely free to use
    • Supports multiple live streaming
    • Interface is simple
    • Best for Facebook live streaming
    • Require less storage and CPU

    Cons:

    • Available only for windows
    • Fewer features compared to the other tools

    Restream

    Website Restream.io
    Rating 4.6 out of 5
    Best For Engaging Audiences

    Restream - Free video streaming software
    Restream – Free video streaming software

    The absolutely amazing cloud-based video streaming software, Restream, offers great services of streaming videos to more than 30 different platforms such as Twitch, Facebook, YouTube and more, at once. In fact, Restream provides a great facility of native integration with distinguished streaming software like Elgato, Xsplit, OBS Studio and others. The major advantage that comes with Restream is the Real-time Platform and Channel Toggling.

    Key Features

    • Develop numerous channels through a single platform.
    • Metadata updation of all the streams.
    • User’s interactions via chats from different platforms.

    Pros:

    • Ability to stream on multiple platforms at the same time
    • Easy-to-use interface
    • Highly customizable
    • Schedules the recorded videos to go live
    • 20+ ready-to-use themes
    • Offensive message filtering
    • The free plan is available

    Cons:

    • You can stream on only two channels out of 30 with a free plan

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    OneStream.Live

    Website Onestream.live
    Rating 4.6 out of 5
    Best For One In All Streaming Software

    OneStream - All-in-One Live Streaming Software
    OneStream Website

    OneStream is counted among the top video streaming software that carries the facility of live recording, streaming, pre-recording of videos and permit them to publish to over 40 different digital platforms. With such distinguished features, you can easily manage and schedule the broadcast of the content to the digital platforms, 60 days in advance.

    Key Features

    • Streaming on over 40 different platforms and scheduling broadcasting 60 days in advance.
    • With a server URL and key, allows the access of streaming custom RTMP.
    • Feature of uploading multiple contents at a single time.

    Pros:

    • Multi-stream on 40+ social media platforms
    • Easy to embed the live stream on your website
    • Option to add subtitles on pre-recorded videos
    • Live stream scheduling
    • The mobile app is available to stream on the go
    • Cloud-based platform
    • Live chat and email support
    • Knowledge base

    Cons:

    • Orientation problem while streaming on Instagram
    • Some user says that pricing is bit higher

    Adobe Flash Media Live Encoder

    Website NA
    Rating 4.3 out of 5
    Best For Professional Streamers and Content Creators

    Adobe Flash Media Live Encoder - Live video streaming and recording software
    Adobe Flash Media Live Encoder

    Adobe Flash Media Live Encoder is widely famous among professionals for routine based live streaming along with audio and video files. The software offers great advantages such as supporting the streaming of the finest quality video and a handy setup facility. It is specifically designed for use with Adobe Flash Media Server, making it an ideal option for those who require high-quality video and audio streaming.

    Key features

    • Processing of video and audio signals with high resolution.
    • Widely preferred for live streaming events like education requirements, business, sporting events and more.

    Pros:

    • Free to use
    • Embed code to use on the website
    • Available for both windows and mac
    • Supports HD resolution

    Cons:

    • Complex set-up procedure
    • Difficult to use

    XSplit Broadcaster

    Website www.xsplit.com
    Rating 4.1 out of 5
    Best For Gamers

    XSplit Broadcaster - Live video streaming and recording software
    XSplit Broadcaster Website

    The very prominent live streaming software, XSplit Broadcaster is known for its incredible capturing ability for recording as well as live streaming. It provides the user with the facility to record or live stream any video within seconds. XSplit Broadcaster offers a great in-game stream control HUD that assists you in connecting with people, monitors recent events, and keeps the watch on the increasing statistics for the engagement.

    Moreover, it facilitates the projector mode that allows access to outlay various scenes to the connected device with the computer’s GPO.

    Key Features

    • The NVENC option allows you to customize the settings for optimal performance and resolution.
    • Edit scenes with the help of Scene Preview Editor before the live broadcasting.
    XSplit Broadcaster BEST Settings

    Pros:

    • Plugins and extensions are available
    • Background noise cancellation
    • Audio adjustment for different screens
    • Ability to record multiple screens
    • Live chat support
    • The free version is available with some limitations

    Cons:

    • Poor customer service
    • Pricing is higher

    Conclusion

    Selection of the right video streaming software for your system could be very hectic and time taking. It would require you to test every other software and check which suits the best for your system.

    The right software must include the features of support platforms, user support, games, options for input sources and many more. And with keeping these key features in mind, describes the above streaming software that would work best for your system and requirements.

    FAQs

    What is live stream software?

    Live stream software’s are software that allows users host or record live stream videos.

    What is the best free live stream software?

    OBS Studio, Restream, Onestream and FFsplit are some of the best live streaming software.

    What do beginner streamers need?

    If you are a beginner who is starting streaming, you need four things: a camera, a microphone, streaming software, and a good internet connection.

    What are the key features to look for in streaming software?

    Some key features to look for in streaming software include ease of use, compatibility with various platforms and devices, customizable settings, and support for high-quality video and audio streaming.

    Can I use free streaming software for commercial purposes?

    Yes, in most cases, you can use free streaming software for commercial purposes. However, it’s important to check the software’s licensing and terms of use to ensure that you’re using it legally.

    Do I need a high-performance computer to use streaming software?

    It depends on the software and the level of streaming you want to do. Some software may require a higher-performance computer to handle the demands of live streaming, while others may be more lightweight and work on lower-performance machines. Check the software’s system requirements before downloading to ensure compatibility with your computer.

  • Amazon’s Most Notable Acquisitions That Made It a Giant Global Conglomerate

    Amazon is one of the most influential economic and cultural forces in the world, as well as one of the most valuable brands. It focuses on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. Beyond that, it has permeated our lives deeply, especially in the last couple of years. It is the American multinational technology company, Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is, currently, one of the most recognizable names on the planet.

    He founded the company on 5th July 1994 from his garage in Bellevue, Washington. It was, initially, an online marketplace for books. Amazon quickly expanded into a multitude of product categories earning the moniker ‘The Everything Store. Initially named Cadabra, Inc. Bezos renamed it to Amazon as he wanted the company to be as ‘exotic and different’. In his initial days, Bezos reportedly told a journalist – “There’s nothing about our model that can’t be copied over time. But you know, McDonald’s got copied. And it’s still built a huge, multibillion-dollar company. A lot of it comes down to the brand name. Brand names are more important online than they are in the physical world.”

    The Journey
    Amazon Acquisitions
    Reasons for Acquisitions

    The Journey

    As a new start-up Amazon only sold books online because of its worldwide demand, low unit price, and large number of titles available in print. Within the first couple of months, the business grew to sell its books to all 50 states and over 45 countries. In October 1995, the company announced its intention to issue an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Within the next three years, Amazon was sued first by Barnes & Nobles in 1997 for claiming itself as the world’s largest bookstore and then by Walmart in 1998 for allegedly stealing trade secrets by hiring Walmart executives. Eventually, both lawsuits were settled out of court and Amazon implemented stricter internal policies and restrictions.

    Initially, Amazon’s growth and profit were nominal leaving stockholders wary of investing or even the company’s survival prospects. When the dot-com bubble burst in 2001, Amazon not only survived the bloodbath but went on to post a modest profit in the fourth quarter of that year. This was a boost of confidence that eased the investors. From that point on, the unconventional business model of Jeff Bezos has not stopped growing till today. In 2020, Amazon generated sales worth USD 386 billion which were 38% higher than its sales in 2019 in the US alone.  Amazon’s Marketplace sales represent an increasingly dominant portion of its e-commerce business.

    Amazon Acquisitions

    Within the time span of the last two decades, the tech behemoth has acquired or invested in at least 128 companies across the world. These companies belong to a wide plethora of industries from healthcare to entertainment, helping diversify their core revenue. It has also provided Amazon with inroads into better understanding their customer’s likes, dislikes, and preferences. The top ten Amazon Acquisitions by value are –

    Company Name Acquired On Acquired For
    Whole Foods Market Jun 16, 2017 $13.7 billion
    Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer May 26, 2021 $8.5 billion
    Zoox Jun 26, 2020 $1.2 billion
    Zappos Jul 22, 2009 $1.2 billion
    Ring Feb 27, 2018 $1 billion
    PillPack Jun 28, 2018 $753 million
    Twitch Aug 25, 2014 $970 million
    Kiva Systems Mar 19, 2012 $775 million
    Souq Mar 27, 2017 $580 million
    Quidsi Nov 8, 2010 $545 million

    Whole Foods

    Revolutionizing the domain of grocery shopping, Whole Foods is an American multinational supermarket chain. Amazon acquired Whole Foods in 2017 for $13.7 billion. The acquisition added 400 physical stores to the set of e-commerce stores that Amazon already had. Additionally, the acquisition gave a huge impetus to the tech giant in the domain of grocery shopping, which was further used by Amazon to push people to purchase their Prime membership in return for the wonderful offers given.

    MGM Studios

    Founded in 1924, MGM Studios, or Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, is a California-based studio that has produced many popular films, many of which have won academy awards as well. Some of their popular films include the James Bond franchise, the Rocky series, Robocops, Fargo, Silence of the Lambs, etc. In 2021, Amazon acquired MGM Studios for $8.5 billion. The deal was completed in March 2022.

    Zoox

    Zoox is a startup that develops self-driving technology with the aim of proving a full-stack solution for ride-hailing. In order to provide automatic self-driving capabilities, they use their own software and artificial intelligence, which has become a unique innovation in the arena of self-driving vehicles. They specifically focus on custom vehicle design, which they believe will be able to overcome the problems posed by self-driving vehicles. Amazon acquired the startup in 2020 for $1.2 billion.

    Zappos

    Zappos was founded by Tony Hsieh in 1999 as an online shoe seller after identifying the difficulties with which customers grappled due to the unavailability of the right size and desirable models. In 2009, Amazon bought Zappos for $1.2 billion.

    Ring

    Ring is a video doorbell and security camera maker that is worth more than $1 billion. They sell their products in the US, UK, and Europe. After establishing themselves as a reputable company in their area, they headed in the direction of the Internet of Things and in-home delivery spaces. In a deal that was valued at more than $1 billion, Amazon acquired Ring in 2018.

    PillPack

    It is an American pharmaceutical company that was founded in 2013 by TJ Parker and Elliot Cohen. By integrating novel technology into the midst of the business, the company saw tremendous growth over a short span of time. They were a step ahead of their fellow companies by demarcating their customers’ medications by dose and delivering them to their doorstep. In 2018, Amazon acquired PillPack for $753 million, and the company changed its branding from “PillPack, an Amazon company,” to “PillPack by Amazon Pharmacy.”

    Twitch

    It is a platform that allows users to stream their games to their followers so that they can watch them play the game. It was launched in 2011, focusing on live video gamers. In 2014, Amazon acquired the company for $970 million. Amazon’s purchase was a very prudent decision, foreseeing the pathbreaking interventions that the gaming industry and metaverse can have on humanity. With a vision to think differently, Jeff Bezos said that they were looking forward to offering better services for the gaming community.

    Kiva Systems

    It is a Massachusetts-based company that manufactures mobile robotic fulfillment systems. They innovated novel approaches in the distribution chain with the help of database systems and automated guided vehicles, which are also called bots. In 2012, Amazon acquired Kiva Systems for $775 million. Today, Kiva Systems is known as Amazon Robotics. This change came into effect in August 2015.

    Souq

    Launched in 2005 in Dubai, Souq was the largest e-commerce platform in the UAE. In 2017, Amazon acquired it for nearly $580 million. This acquisition gave Amazon tremendous anchoring in the Arab world through Souq’s 45 million visitors every month. By integrating Souq’s customer base and Amazon’s technical backing, customers can enjoy a wide range of product selections and seamless delivery.

    Quidsi

    Quidsy is an e-commerce company that was founded by Marc Lore, Vinit Bharara, and Wei Yan in 2005. This US-based firm aimed at revolutionizing the online shopping experience by improving every aspect of it, including 1-2 day delivery, the novel e-commerce experience, and excellent customer service. In 2010, Amazon acquired Quidsi for $545 million.

    Other notable Amazon acquisitions since 1998 include IMDb, Alexa Internet, Twitch Interactive, etc. Some of the companies that Amazon has acquired over the years are now defunct.

    Very recently, Amazon acquired iRobot for approximately USD 1.7 billion. iRobot is the company that makes Roomba vacuums. With this acquisition, Amazon has increased its footprint in individual households and deepened its penetration in the market.

    Reasons for Acquisitions

    Over the years, Amazon has grown from strength to strength and now is a global presence with deep market penetration. Its popularity has grown during the pandemic and the name has become synonymous with retail shopping.

    There are various reasons why a company like Amazon acquires or invests in different companies.

    Economies of Scale

    ‘Bigger is better is the ideology behind an acquisition for economies of scale. Larger companies enjoy better cost savings and competitive advantages than their smaller counterparts.

    Market Share

    This is the most common motive for an acquisition. Apart from reducing the competition, it also gives the company an immediate increase in market share and also a boost to its sales.

    Acquire New Expertise / Technology

    Over time, newer technologies get introduced introducing newer ways to work. Therefore, it becomes necessary for companies to also evolve and embrace the changes. One way to do it is to acquire companies that provide this technology and expertise.

    Similar Synergies – Creating Value

    Many times, the logic of acquiring a new company makes more sense than the numbers. This is clearly visible in Amazon acquiring Whole foods and trying to bring the power of ecommerce to traditional food retail.

    Geographical Diversification

    This is a huge value driver in acquisitions. Acquisitions are the much-preferred way to expand geographically as the company can acquire a ready cash-generating entity with a ready business platform. It is also financially beneficial to the higher costs of setting up a new operation from scratch.

    Vertical Integration

    This type of acquisition creates a new addition to the value chain of a company. It reduces dependency on third party suppliers and vendors.

    Conclusion

    Over the years, Amazon has successfully integrated various products into its portfolio by acquiring several companies for one or more reasons as mentioned above. Amazon’s sprawling eCommerce empire is a result of far-sightedness, a futuristic approach, and an adaptable business model.

    With the world shifting to the online retail platform, Amazon shows no signs of slowing down. It has, in fact, expanded its operations and offers a wide network of services.

    FAQs

    What is Amazon’s largest acquisition?

    The acquisition of Whole Foods Market by Amazon in 2017 is the biggest company take-over by Bezos’s corporation to date, with a whopping tag price of 13.7 billion U.S. dollars.

    Among its 12 subsidiaries, Amazon has AbeBooks.com, Audible, CamiXology, Fabric.com, IMDb, PillPack, Shopbop, Souq.com, Twitch, Whole Foods Market, Woot!, and Zappos.

    Did Amazon have any mergers?

    Amazon has made 98 acquisitions and 95 investments. The company has spent over $ 46.19B on the acquisitions.

    Who is Amazon’s biggest competition?

    Its biggest retail competitors are Alibaba, eBay, Walmart, JD, Flipkart, and Rakuten.

    What is Amazon’s net worth in 2022?

    Amazon’s net worth as of November 25, 2022, is $952.94B.