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Business Wars #8 · March 15, 2018 · 32m

Netflix vs. Blockbuster - Game Over

The final episode of the Netflix vs. Blockbuster series. Blockbuster files for bankruptcy in 2010. Reed Hastings transforms Netflix into a streaming giant. The last Blockbuster store becomes a museum piece in Bend, Oregon.

Canon

Netflix's profitable DVD-by-mail business gave them the financial runway to experiment with streaming when the technology wasn't ready. Their 'lucky' early success in DVDs funded their transformation.

Highlights

Blockbuster had the chance to buy Netflix for $50 million in 2000 and declined
Brown reveals the most expensive rejection in business history: Blockbuster CEO John Antioco was offered Netflix for $50 million and laughed Reed Hastings out of the room. Netflix is now worth $250+ billion.