Want to start, fund, and sell a major company? Spencer Rascoff has some advice on that because he's seen it from all sides.
As a founder, he first cofounded the travel-booking site Hotwire, which he sold to Expedia. He then co-founded Zillow, which helped reshape nothing smaller than the real-estate market, and served as its CEO for nearly a decade. Now he's a serial board member, an investor (including as general partner at the venture fund 75 & Sunny), and a continual startup founder-including building social platforms for sharing intel on food (Recon Food, which he started with his teenage daughter) or what's best to binge-watch (Queue), saving creatives from the endless emails they face as they chase down business leads (heyLibby.ai), and simplifying the market for co-owning a second home (Pacaso).
"I find problems that I have in my life and feel passionate about, and I try to solve them by starting companies," he says. But actually funding, growing, and selling those companies? That's about great ideas-and also cold, hard numbers. Here, he explains.
You've said that Zillow didn't start with the ideait started with the team. Can you tell that story?
This story is from the March - April 2024 edition of Entrepreneur US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March - April 2024 edition of Entrepreneur US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How to Succeed With Gen Z Workers
People often say that younger employees are different. But are they? We asked six business leaders what they've learned, and how their teams thrive.
There's No Perfect Answer
I worked the same job for 19 years. I hated it, but it paid the bills. Then, in 2017, I entertained an exciting but terrifying question: Could I be an entrepreneur? I wasn't sure, so I needed something that felt like a guarantee. I searched for signs that would feel like a big, clear \"yes!\" Instead, what I found was a tarot card deck.
10 HOTTEST TRENDS for 2025
Want to buy a brand that buzzes? Here's what to know.
BUILD YOUR MONEY MACHINE
A franchise isn't just a franchise. It should be a Money Machine, creating profit even while you're out of the office. Here's how.
The Top Franchises for Veterans
Are you a military vet looking to become a franchisee, or just want to support a brand that supports the troops? Check out these 150 brands.
20 LEADERS WHO ARE DEFINING ENTREPRENEURSHIP TODAY
In a year of disruption, we wanted to know: Whose work will define the years to come? We reviewed hundreds of names and picked 20 leaders across a range of industries and sizes. Meet them on the following pages, and see what it takes to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
How to Become a Main Street Millionaire
It started when I bought one little laundromat. Now I have a whole portfolio of small local businesses that bring in tens of millions in revenue a year. Here's why following my playbook could be your ticket to financial freedom-and saving America's local small businesses.
Want to Better Serve Your Clients? Become Them.
As a designer for brands, starting my own product company gave me a dose of humilityand it changed the way I relate to clients.
I've Been a Publicist for 17 Years.Don't Hire Me.
Entrepreneurs often think they need PR. Most don't. Here's why you're probably better off not hiring someone like me.
The CEO's Advice to the MVP
Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor knows the formula for a successful launch. NBA champ Jaylen Brown recently launched a shoe and athleisure brand. They have a lot to teach each other.
