EE204: Business Management for
Electrical Engineers and Computer Scientists

Evan Williams: From Blogger to Odeo (A)

Read

1. Read: How Leaders Create and Use Networks
2. Skill Set of the CEO
3. Read: Evan Williams: From Blogger to Odeo (A)
4. Review: Building a Personal Brand

Case Summary

For several months, founder-CEO Evan Williams has felt trapped, unable to control Odeo and its strategic direction. He longs for the "simple" days of Blogger, the previous venture he had co-founded. Although his Blogger experiences had included a major blow-up with his co-founder that had resulted in legal proceedings, a brush with near-bankruptcy, and the laying off of his entire team, Williams has become even more disillusioned with his current venture, Odeo. Odeo, a pod casting pioneer, had debuted almost two years before and had gotten off to a very strong start, with a high-profile debut at a prominent industry conference, coverage on the front page of the New York Times' Business section, and the raising of a large round of financing from a top-tier venture capital firm. His attempts to find an acquirer have failed, layoffs have begun, and he is now facing a meeting with an increasingly hostile board of directors. At that meeting, he is very tempted to resign so he can move on to his next project and regain the thrill of being an entrepreneur.

Discussion Questions

1. Describe Evan Williams' personal characteristics. How well would you see yourself working with him?
2. Grade Williams on the CEO skill set criteria. What is his greatest strength?
3. Critique the Blogger and Odeo business plans and strategy?How is Evan's approach to each company different?
4. Why do you think a top tier VC, Charles River Ventures, invested in Odeo?
5. How does Williams make the tradeoff between maintaining control nd getting rich? How do you see yourself making these tradeoffs?
6. What options are available to Odeo at the end of the case?
7. How did Williams get into this predicament?
8. Prepare your recommendation for the board.