under the microscope
How to build a genome
This article from Nature is interesting background about the toolset that helps synthetic biologists assemble DNA. | learn more
retail therapy
How SARS gave us Alibaba
The outbreak of SARS coincided with the 2003 Canton Fair, a GIANT trade show that China chose not to cancel. Alibaba, tiny at the time, channeled the motivation to build Taobao and Alipay – two monster businesses. | learn more
retail therapy
Why all the Warby Parker clones are now imploding
The story of how VC funding ruined a generation of direct-to-consumer startups. Grow, baby grow! | learn more
better doing
What to do if you find yourself working remotely for the first time
Wonderful experience-based advice from Stella Garber. “Whether it’s a new job, a family situation, or even a global pandemic, you may find yourself working remotely for the very first time. Plot twist: It may not even be your choice. Fear […]
tech, startups, internet
Investment memo for YouTube in 2005
The video sharing site was just 6 months old at the time. How fun to get this inside look 15 years later! Sequoia VC Roelof Botha had to disclose this during YouTube’s lawsuit with Viacom. | learn more
tech, startups, internet
Sequoia is walking away from a $21 million investment they just made
Sequoia realized, shortly after writing the check, that they have a conflict of interests. They decided to cut all ties and walk away, leaving the money as a parting gift. | learn more
tech, startups, internet
VCs say they’re still open for business
Axios informally surveyed about 40 firms and they all stated they’re still making deals despite the current economic (and health) environment. I suspect this is an optimistic assessment and we’re going to see a slow-down in funding. To be fair, […]
oh, chicago
Who runs Chicago?
This article discusses the shift of power from manufacturing to the industries of finance, insurance and real estate. The authors surface some interesting history and facts that make this worth sharing. Unfortunately, the authors demonstrate a poor grasp on economics, […]
fun facts
Virus, the beautify of the beast
“An interactive science video about viruses – and how humans have accidentally imitated them.” I found this via Explorable Explanations – check it out for more interactive learning, especially since you’re stuck at home for the rest of the month. | learn more
fun facts
Sovereign states default all the time
“The following list includes actual sovereign defaults and debt restructuring of independent countries from 1800 till 2012.” Fun example: Spain had a hot streak of 8 defaults during the 1800s. | learn more