If I’m reading commentary correctly, Amazon would invest in other companies using its Alexa fund in order to gain access to their data and then actively operate in a way that undermines the success of the company. Sounds like they’re essentially enjoying most of the benefits of purchasing a company but for a fraction of the price. Rather than spend their own capital to do the hard legwork of building and validating a product idea, they’re effectively spending others’ and then swooping in for the bait and switch kill.
If I were a founder or board member I’d be super skeptical about ever taking money from Amazon in light of this news.
If this isn’t illegal it at least seems wildly unethical. If it’s neither of those and considered an acceptable tactic, then perhaps companies are generally undervaluing themselves otherwise it wouldn't be financially feasible?
If I were a founder or board member I’d be super skeptical about ever taking money from Amazon in light of this news.
If this isn’t illegal it at least seems wildly unethical. If it’s neither of those and considered an acceptable tactic, then perhaps companies are generally undervaluing themselves otherwise it wouldn't be financially feasible?