Beyond: May 1

Here is what you'll gonna learn in the next 10 minutes or less!

1. List of 503+ Technology Podcast to Get Featured On
2. Deck That Got ArangoDB, a $10 Million VC Round
3. Breaking Down the $8.5 Billion Acquisition of MGM Studios
4. The Fallout of Amazon's $170 Million Gamble
5. The Billion-Dollar Bacteria The Business Strategy Behind Yakult's Global Domination

Here are this Week's Giveaways!

List of 503+ Technology Podcast to Get Featured On

Deck That Got ArangoDB, a $10 Million VC Round

Industry: Big-data, Open-source, IT, Software Customer: B2B Business Model: SaaS Round: $10 Million Investor: Corporate, VC Year: 2019

ArangoDB is a multi-model database that lets you natively work with graphs, documents and fulltext sear

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Breaking Down the $8.5 Billion Acquisition of MGM Studios.

Did you know that MGM was the first movie studio to use technicolor.

Remember the roaring lion before MGM movies? His name is Leo, and there have been 7 different Leos over the years!

Louis B Mayer is often dubbed as the Chief Architect of MGM’s success, He was an ambitious theatre enthusiast who started working at the age of 13 and opened his first theatre in 1907.

He opened his first theatre in Haverhill, MA, and, catering to the tastes and religion of the locals, like The Passion Play (1907) and From the Manger to the Cross (1912).

His Vision, MGM Studios was founded in 1924 through the merger of Metro Pictures Corporation, Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Productions, when Louis convinced the other two for bringing the world class entertainment and movie star roaster under one roof.

At that time, the formation of MGM Studios was touted as a turning point in the film industry, bringing together top talent, resources, and creative vision under one roof. While Paramount studios was equated with European brand of Cinema and Warner bros was tagged to realism, MGM studios was always synonymous with lavishness, star power and a true blue American dream style movie experience.

How These 5 Things Set MGM Apart in the Entertainment Industry.

1. Talent lineup: MGM Studios boasted an impressive roster of filmmakers, actors, and directors, including legends such as Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, and Judy Garland.
2. Production Value: Known for its high-quality productions and lavish sets, MGM produced iconic films that captivated audiences worldwide, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.
3. Innovation: MGM Studios pioneered technical advancements in filmmaking, including the introduction of Technicolor and the creation of the first feature-length musical, “The Broadway Melody.”
4. Box Office: MGM Studios dominated the box office throughout the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1940s, producing blockbuster hits such as “Gone with the Wind,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Ben-Hur.”
5. Distribution: MGM also expanded its reach internationally during this time, distributing its films to audiences around the world and establishing itself as a global entertainment powerhouse.

MGM was the largest movie studio in Hollywood from the 1920s through World War II Did you know that it is quoted that the first lion who was being trained for the logo shoot, actually killed his trainer?

Financial highlights of the Studios:

• MGM Studios experienced significant revenue peaks during 1940s, the studio’s annual revenue reached unprecedented levels, surpassing $100 million.
• In 2010, MGM filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to mounting debt and liquidity issues.

The turning point for MGM Studios came in the mid 1970s, as the film industry faced major shifts in technology, consumer behavior, and market dynamics.

Impact on MGM, owing to change in consumer behavior:

1. Financial Strain:

• The decline in box office receipts and the rise of television resulted in declining revenues for MGM Studios.
• The company struggled to adapt to the changing landscape, leading to financial strain and mounting debt. For example, in the early 1960s, MGM’s annual revenue dropped from around $100 million to $50 million.

2. Management Changes:

• MGM experienced instability in its leadership, with frequent changes in management
• Internal conflicts and disagreements over strategic direction further hampered the company’s ability to innovate and compete effectively

3. Creative Stagnation:

• As MGM was swamped with financial pressures and management turmoil, its ability to produce innovative and successful films was compromised.
• The studio faced criticism for relying on established formulas and franchises, rather than taking risks and investing in new talent and projects.

4 Things MGM studios did to bounce back from $50 Million Losses

1. Diversification: The studio diversified by producing a range of television shows and series, leveraging its extensive library of film properties and intellectual property assets.
2. Strategic Partnerships: MGM forged strategic partnerships to co-finance and co-produce films and television projects.
3. Asset Monetisation: The studio capitalised on the enduring popularity of its classic films and iconic characters, generating additional revenue streams through licensing agreements, merchandise sales, and digital distribution channels.
4. Cost-Cutting Measures: The studio optimised its production processes, negotiated favourable terms with suppliers, and downsized its workforce to improve profitability and liquidity.

Acquisition by Amazon

• In May 2021, MGM Studios entered into an agreement to be acquired by Amazon for approximately $8.45 billion, marking a major milestone in its financial history.
• This was part of MGM strategy to leverage its library of content and monetise on its assets.
• The acquisition by Amazon positioned MGM for a new milestone of growth and innovation, as they seek to leverage Amazon’s resources, technology, and global reach to further enhance its content offerings.

The Fallout of Amazon's $170 Million Gamble

Did you know that the Fire Phone had a firefly button to scan things like groceries, books and scan codes to fill up your amazon cart in real-time?

Amazon Fire phone was developed under the project, codenamed "Project Smith”, at amazon, as a highly secretive project.

Jeff Bezos personally drove the vision and features of the phone, who wanted to integrate Amazon’s suite of services into consumers' everyday lives.

The Fire Phone was released in July 2014.

Amazon had 3 Goals with Fire Phone Launch

• Increase Prime Video Membership: By integrating tightly with Prime, Amazon hoped to boost membership sign-ups and renewals.
• Enhance Mobile Shopping: The Fire Phone featured Firefly technology, aimed at making it easier for users to scan and purchase physical items through Amazon.
• Device Ecosystem Expansion: Amazon wanted to complement its successful Kindle and Fire devices with a mobile phone to complete its ecosystem.

What happened When it Launched?:

• It was initially sold exclusively through AT&T in the United States.
• The phone saw lukewarm reception at best, with critics panning its high price and limited app selection.
• Its 3D features were flashy but mainly useless, and its Fire OS operating system was incompatible most apps out there, like Google Maps.
• Amazon assumed that developers would jump at the chance to develop apps for Fire Phone, but instead they stayed loyal to the existing major operating systems.

5 Reasons Amazon took a Fall of $170 Million on the Fire Phone:

How big was the Fall?

1. Amazon never officially disclosed sales figures for the Fire Phone, but it is estimated that they sold lesser than 35,000 units in the first 20 days after launch.
2. In October 2014, Amazon took a $170 million write-down related to the Fire Phone.
3. The financial impact and perceived failure of the Fire Phone contributed to a temporary dip in Amazon’s stock price, reflecting investor concerns over the company’s direction and decision-making.

The Billion-Dollar Bacteria The Business Strategy Behind Yakult's Global Domination

Did you know that Yakult also sells a high end beauty moisturiser?, which retails at more than $1000 per bottle.

Yakult founded in 1935 by Dr. Minoru Shirota, a Japanese scientist, with the vision of creating a health-promoting fermented dairy drink.

Dr. Shirota discovered a unique strain of beneficial bacteria, Lactobacillus casei Shirota, which he believed could promote digestive health and strengthen rthe immune system.

3 Unique That make Yakult Stand Out

1. Innovative Product: Yakult’s distinctive small bottle packaging and tangy, slightly sweet flavor appealed to consumers seeking a convenient and enjoyable way to support their digestive health.
2. Health Benefits: The company positioned Yakult as a functional beverage with scientifically proven health benefits, leveraging Dr. Shirota’s research and clinical studies to build trust and credibility.
3. Global Expansion: Yakult expanded beyond Japan, entering international markets and adapting its marketing strategies to appeal to diverse consumer preferences and cultural norms.

What were the 3 Main challenges that Yakult faced in the market?:

1. Cultural Barriers: Yakult faced challenges in introducing probiotic beverages to markets where fermented dairy products were not traditionally consumed, requiring awareness campaigns.
2. Competition: The company encountered competition from both traditional dairy products and emerging probiotic brands, pushing the team for continuous innovation and differentiation to maintain market leadership.
3. Regulatory Hurdles: Yakult navigated complex regulatory environments in different countries, ensuring compliance with local food safety and labelling regulations while maintaining product consistency and quality.

Business Growth:

1. Yakult achieved rapid market penetration in Japan, becoming a household name and a staple in many consumers’ daily routines.
2. Annual revenues surged from around $460 million USD in 1990 to over $1.84 billion USD by the end of the decade.
3. The company’s operating profit margin expanded from around 15% in the early 1990s to approximately 20% by the late 1990s.
4. By the late 1990s, Yakult’s market capitalisation had risen to over $9.2 billion USD, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s growth prospects.
5. The company successfully expanded its presence to over 40 countries and regions, capitalising on growing consumer interest in health and wellness products.
6. One of the cornerstone of Yakult’s Marketing strategy is called Yakult’s Ladies Program.

Why is Yakult's ladies Program so famous?

1. Yakult recruits and trains women from local communities to sell its probiotic beverages directly to consumers, leveraging their interpersonal skills and local knowledge to connect with customers on a personal level.
2. These dedicated saleswomen visit homes, workplaces, and community events to promote Yakult products, educate consumers about the health benefits of probiotics, and build trust and loyalty among customers.
3. The program provides economic empowerment opportunities for women, particularly in regions where traditional employment opportunities may be limited.
4. Yakult’s sales ladies program has been instrumental in driving sales growth and market penetration, particularly in emerging markets and underserved communities.

5 Strategies Yakult used for making $3.1 Billion sales:

1. Investment in R&D: Yakult prioritized investment in research and development to continually improve product quality and develop new formulations tailored to evolving consumer needs.
2. Branding: The company invested in brand building and marketing initiatives to raise awareness and promote the health benefits of Yakult.
3. Distribution: Yakult established a robust distribution network, including direct sales, partnerships with retailers, and vending machines, to ensure broad accessibility and availability of its products.
4. Consumer Engagement: Yakult engaged with consumers through various channels, including social media, events, and educational programs, fostering a loyal and engaged customer base.
5. Corporate Social Responsibility: Yakult enhanced its goodwill by showing commitment to corporate social responsibility by supporting community health initiatives, environmental sustainability, and philanthropic efforts.