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Stewart Butterfield: If snakes had our technology, we would be toast

Very few entrepreneurs have been are able to successfully create a viral, cult-like following around something as random as workplace collaboration software. But, if anyone could — it would be Stewart Butterfield, a two-time failed gaming entrepreneur.

When headlines circulated that Amazon was looking to spend some $9 billion to purchase Slack, it was another sign that this hot app wasn’t some overblown unicorn flash in the pan.

While Slack has a high valuation, it stands out from the current startup landscape. In a world of 24/7, party all night brogrammers, Butterfield says his offices are empty at 6:30 every night, and people work ~45 hours a week. He’s designed the company for people who have already lived the insanity of a boom and bust cycle but want to continue to build things — but, in a sustainable way so they can still see their kids grow up.

In other words: People like him. It took a unique journey to build a unique Valley leader. The following is a transcript from my 2015 PandoMonthly interview with Butterfield in which he shares his story of accidental success, crushing failure, and finally a bona fide financial hit on his hands.

from: Pando latest articles
via Sarah Lacy

Source: Stewart Butterfield: If snakes had our technology, we would be toast Via Business Advice.

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