Intuit's $12 Billion Acquisition of Mailchimp - Lessons All Entrepreneurs Should Learn

The story of Mailchimp's recent acquisition by Intuit for $12 billion is such a fascinating example of the power of bootstrapping a business with a long-term plan. In today's episode we take a closer look at this deal and the lessons it presents for us, for whatever size of the company you are running! To introduce the topic, we go over some quick definitions and important concepts, looking at how bootstrapping plays out under different models, and what has made Mailchimp's journey unique. Far from perfect, the path that Mailchimp and their leadership have taken exemplifies the winding road that entrepreneurs, SaaS companies, and many startups have to take towards a big payout like this. So for all this inspiring and thought-provoking information on one of the biggest current stories in online business, be sure to join us on Leveling up!
TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:
[00:07] Before we jump into today’s episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to the Leveling Up Podcast!
[00:48] A quick definition of bootstrapping; no venture capital and outside investment.
[01:12] Equity and profit-sharing; the kinds of incentives that bootstrapped businesses typically employ. 
[02:01] The largest acquisition of a bootstrapped company in history; the particulars of the deal.
[03:15] The long-term vision that has served Mailchimp since its founding in 2001.
[04:20] Mailchimp's evolution into a SaaS company and the important pivots it made.
[05:17] Why Mailchimp chose to turn down venture capital offers. 
[06:11] Mistakes and learning; how Ben Chestnut stayed committed through difficulties.
[06:24] The value of peer groups and support networks.
[07:49] Prioritizing company culture for sustained growth and success.
[08:31] Why hiring the right people can determine the outcomes of your business. 
[09:00] Balancing the bootstrapped approach with the argument for outside funding.
 
Resources From The Interview:
 
Mailchimp

Intuit 

Axios 
Ben Chestnut

YPO 

EO 

How I First Built This  
 
Leave Some Feedback:
 
 
What should I talk about next? Who should I interview? Please let me know on Twitter or in the comments below.
Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review here

Subscribe to Leveling Up on iTunes

Get the non-iTunes RSS Feed

 
 
Connect with Eric Siu: 
 
 
Growth Everywhere
Single Grain
Leveling Up
Eric Siu on Twitter
Eric Siu on Instagram
 
 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The story of Mailchimp's recent acquisition by Intuit for $12 billion is such a fascinating example of the power of bootstrapping a business with a long-term plan. In today's episode we take a closer look at this deal and the lessons it presents for us, for whatever size of the company you are running! To introduce the topic, we go over some quick definitions and important concepts, looking at how bootstrapping plays out under different models, and what has made Mailchimp's journey unique. Far from perfect, the path that Mailchimp and their leadership have taken exemplifies the winding road that entrepreneurs, SaaS companies, and many startups have to take towards a big payout like this. So for all this inspiring and thought-provoking information on one of the biggest current stories in online business, be sure to join us on Leveling up!

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

[00:07] Before we jump into today’s episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to the Leveling Up Podcast! [00:48] A quick definition of bootstrapping; no venture capital and outside investment. [01:12] Equity and profit-sharing; the kinds of incentives that bootstrapped businesses typically employ.  [02:01] The largest acquisition of a bootstrapped company in history; the particulars of the deal. [03:15] The long-term vision that has served Mailchimp since its founding in 2001. [04:20] Mailchimp's evolution into a SaaS company and the important pivots it made. [05:17] Why Mailchimp chose to turn down venture capital offers.  [06:11] Mistakes and learning; how Ben Chestnut stayed committed through difficulties. [06:24] The value of peer groups and support networks. [07:49] Prioritizing company culture for sustained growth and success. [08:31] Why hiring the right people can determine the outcomes of your business.  [09:00] Balancing the bootstrapped approach with the argument for outside funding.

 

Resources From The Interview:

 

Mailchimp
Intuit 
Axios  Ben Chestnut
YPO 
EO 
How I First Built This  

 

Leave Some Feedback:

 

 

What should I talk about next? Who should I interview? Please let me know on Twitter or in the comments below. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review here
Subscribe to Leveling Up on iTunes
Get the non-iTunes RSS Feed

 

 

Connect with Eric Siu: 

 

 

Growth Everywhere Single Grain Leveling Up Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram

 

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices