The Three Things a Startup Needs

The chairman of Google's parent company Alphabet Inc. shares insights on what he looks for when investing in companies.

learn more about David Meltzer

ByDavid Meltzer•

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

John Hennessy is the chairman of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company. In this episode of#ThePlaybook, Hennessy talks with host David Meltzer about the "formula" companies need to be great, what he looks for when evaluating a startup and why you shouldn't focus on your legacy too early in your career.

Hennessy talks about his childhood, including his parents and his five siblings' influence on him. He speaks to the importance of doing great things for customers and employees for businesses.

Hennessy discusses what he looks for in startups when evaluating whether and how much to invest in them, namely their technology, the risk associated with the business and team risk — whether the company's management can handle change and growth.

Hennessy talks about legacy and why focusing on it too early in your career could make you risk-averse. He also paraphrases his favorite Socrates quote, which relates to legacy.

Relate:The Story Behind the E! Network
David Meltzer

Entrepreneur Leadership Network Writer

Co-Founder of Sports 1 Marketing, Speaker, Author and Business Coach

David Meltzer, co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing and host of Entrepreneur's podcast, “The Playbook”, is a Top 100 Business Coach, global public speaker and three-time international best-selling author who has been honored by Variety as “Sports Humanitarian of the Year”.

Related Topics

领导

Editor's Pick

The Dark Side of Pay Transparency — AndWhat to Do If You Find Out You're Being Underpaid
Thinking of a Career Change?Here Are 4 Steps You Can Take to Get There.
A Founder Who Bootstrapped Her Jewelry Business With Just $1,000Now Sees 7-Figure Revenue Because She Knew Something About Her Customers Nobody Else Did
UseThese Words and Gestures to Impress Your Boss
Everything You Need to KnowAbout Franchise Law
The Top 2% Swear ByThis Negotiation Tactic Most People Overlook

Most Popular

See all
Business News

Carnival Cruise Wants Passengers to Have Fun in the Sun — But Do This, and You'll Get Burned With a New $500 Fee

The cruise line's updated contract follows a spate of unruly guest behavior across the tourism industry.

ByAmanda Breen

ByGabrielle Bienasz

Business News

A Scammer Posing as Elon Musk Tricked a Florida Principal into Sending $100K in School Funds: 'I Fell for a Scam'

Dr. Jan McGee has since resigned as principal of Burns Science and Technology Charter in Oak Hill, Florida.

BySam Silverman

领导

These 6 Leadership Skills Are Undervalued — But They Shouldn't Be, According to Employees

支付丙氨酸ention to the subtle clues you give your team about your leadership style when you make a decision.

ByEntrepreneur Staff

Business News

'Crying Northwestern Kid' Turned His Viral Fan Moment Into a Successful Harvard Admissions Essay. He Says the Experience Taught Him About Empathy.

Six years ago, Phillips was watching No. 8 Northwestern take on No. 1 Gonzaga during March Madness when he became a meme.

ByTyler Lauletta

Starting a Business

90% of Online Businesses Fail in Just 4 Months. You Can Avoid the Same Fate By Using These Strategies.

It's not catastrophizing when we think about potential failure; it's in fact a chance for any business to precisely see any outcome and prepare in advance.

ByIvan Popov