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Ummm, so...Salesforce? Like….Really?

Tesla? Exciting. Apple? Exciting. Amazon? Exciting. Salesforce? Ummm…wut? How did a sales CRM management tool become such a behemoth?

Some dudes in a one-bedroom apartment with a mission statement on the back of an envelope created the #1 CRM in the world, and until lately perhaps, a pretty sexy stock pick.

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In 1999 Marc Benioff, Parker Harris, Frank Dominguez, and Dave Moellenhoff started working on the very first version of the Salesforce CRM.

Back in 2004, Salesforce raised $110 million at $11 per share upon the completion of its IPO on the NYSE. With that, they were off innovating new platforms, applications, and programs, and growing like a weed. In 2009, Salesforce reached $1 billion in annual revenue, making it the first cloud computing company to crack the big B. They continued to grow, opening ritzy towers in New York and San Francisco, slapping their name on arenas, launching AI, and now looking at +$30B in revenue for 2023! Holy sh*t, call me gobsmacked!

Buuuut…now CEO Marc Benioff is in the limelight as is all the dirty laundry being hung out to dry, from reducing office space in their own tower, paying less than three-quarters of the bonus amounts expected, and of course, the whole Matthew McConaughey thing! Grab your popcorn!

• ​Read more about their current position and expert analysis​
• ​Read more on the growth story​

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News, Views & Interesting Stuff

• In case you’re living under a rock, OpenAi intro’d their API for ChatGPT and Whisper
• Is the Golden Age of Social Media over? According to the founder of Reddit, Social Media has become a platform of performers defeating the purpose of its existence, and sees TikTok’s window closing.
• ‘Dum dum dum dum’ Crypto Is in Turmoil…Again - Silvergate Bank recently announced the closure of its internal settlement tool and that it may have investigations to address, causing its stock to plummet and some prominent crypto clients to suspend their business with it. You'll want to strap in tight for this ride!
• Great insight in this piece by Greg Elfrink from Empire Flippers on the topic de jour for many in the affiliate marketing game…Did Ai Kill Affiliate Marketing?​

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🤔 Amazon Caught with Their Hand in the Liquor Cabinet

Amazon planned to change alcohol laws in several US states in order to expand its alcohol delivery business, according to a leaked document. The company aimed to eliminate state licensing caps, legalize alcohol delivery, and compete with wholesalers. Amazon also planned to license facilities and open booze stores in seven new states. The document showed Amazon would use the R Street Institute think tank to “shield” and “provide cover” when lobbying efforts might be detrimental to progress. The company aimed to change alcohol laws in California, where self-checkout with alcohol is prohibited. Amazon wanted all of its outlets to have as many alcohol licenses as possible.

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Time to acquire a new business?

Flippa has got you 🙌

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🏠 Meanwhile in Real Estate

In contrast to the impending doom and the bloodbath about to happen in the real estate market where no one seems to be able to sell, or buy, property…

​These Are The 8 Most Affordable Markets To Invest In During 2023: ​

• Oklahoma City, Jacksonville, Columbus, Orlando, Columbia SC, Tampa, Greensboro, NC & Kansas City MO. (Bigger Pockets)

• Apartments.com has released their February 2023 Rent Growth Report showing growth for the second month in a row. Read it here.​

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Members Only👇

Not a member? Fix that here.​

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Great chats and threads from the Discord you may have missed…

• Adrian asked about taking a minority stake in a cash flowing business, percentages based on the value you can bring, and setting expectations.
• Matt asked about what REITs some members are finding attractive right now, and some quality dialogue followed.
• Some fun banter about the Silvergate/Crypto fiasco and the ensuing roller coaster ride.

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In the Forum...

• Taylor Pearson shared his favorite Newsletters and Podcasts.
• New Investment Opportunity in Entertainment IP with Global Distribution – details.
• Latest acquisition deals for digital assets in the Marketplace.
• A chat with Sean Markey about building on expired domains, SEO, workflow and more…

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Interested in sponsoring our newsletter?

You'll find all the details here.​

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Disclaimer: Not financial, investing or tax advice. This newsletter is strictly for information, entertainment and education purposes. Nothing in here is investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. This newsletter is not tax advice. Talk to your professional advisors. Do your own research.