Cracking the Online Video Monetization Nut: Adap.tv CEO Amir Ashkenazi (Part 5)

Amir benefited from a very nice exit from Shopping.com when it was acquired by EBay for $630 million. Here he discusses that, which sets us up for his next (and current) venture at Adapt.tv.

SM: Which companies survived the bubble? AA: Shopzilla, PriceGrabber, MySimon was acquired by CNet, NextTag is still active and private.

SM: After you went public in 2004, what were the next few steps in the evolution of Shopping.com and how long did you stay at the company. AA: In mid-2005 we were acquired by Ebay for $630 million. I stayed at EBay through 2006, and left to start Adapt.tv then.

SM: Do you mind if I ask about your experience working with a very large amount of capital in terms of capital structure? You were a founder of Shopping.com and you raised a lot of money. What did that do to your ownership in the company? AA: Obviously I lost a lot of the ownership, but our view back then and my view still today is that your percentage is important but don’t forget the size of the overall pie.

SM: That is exactly what I am going towards. Did it leave you enough ownership in the company that it was a sufficient and lucrative deal? I guess it is all relative. AA: I am definitely happy with the way Shopping.com ended.

SM: It gave you enough to seed-fund your next venture yourself! AA: In hindsight there are a few things we could have done better with less money. The fact is you are always going to make some mistakes and you need the money for the mistakes.

SM: Especially when you are in a very ugly market and need some staying power, money gives you that buffer. AA: Exactly. One thing we have learned is tomorrow comes. You will know some bad times, but they can turn to great times again.

[to be continued]

[Part 4]
[Part 3]
[Part 2]
[Part 1]

This segment is part 5 in the series : Cracking the Online Video Monetization Nut: Adap.tv CEO Amir Ashkenazi
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