Super interesting story on Geni’s CEO David Sacks: http://magazine.uchicago.edu/07910/features/take2.shtml
In other words, why the heck would you do another internet startup when you have succeeded building one already (PayPal) and have also produced a Golden-Globe nominated movie Thank You for Smoking?
I’ve worked with a bunch of Product Managers at Jamcracker ($140M internet startup/flameout), PayPal and eBay, and David’s by far the best. Why do I call him a PM when he’s the CEO? This is by no means a demotion. It’s recognition of his genius. He has fantastic intuition for usability; he argues product design with uncommon clarity and logic; he demands rigorous data analysis both before product design and after product launch; he’s willing to change his mind if you come up with a better product design.
Internet startup success is rarely based on just a great idea. Execution is paramount. Dave and the Geni team is executing at world-class levels. I may be a bit biased being employed by David, but I’m also observing from a distance, from Shanghai. I drink a diluted version of the Koolaid.