This Acquired podcast episode delves into the history of Microsoft, focusing on its early years from 1975 to 1995. The hosts trace Microsoft's journey from its founding by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, highlighting key moments like the Altair 8800 deal, the IBM partnership, and the development of MS-DOS and Windows. The narrative emphasizes Microsoft's strategic decisions, including its early focus on software, its aggressive licensing deals, and its ability to adapt to changing technological landscapes. A significant takeaway is Microsoft's capital efficiency, allowing founders to retain control and make pivotal decisions shaping the PC industry. The episode concludes by highlighting Microsoft's transition to a dominant player, surpassing IBM in market capitalization and establishing itself as a major force in both consumer and enterprise software.
