About Acquired
Acquired is a podcast about great companies and the stories behind them, hosted by Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal. Launched in 2015, it began by examining technology acquisitions and initial public offerings, before expanding into in-depth histories of some of the world’s most influential businesses. Acquired has become one of the most respected business podcasts.
Company Stories
Episodes explore the history and strategy of companies across technology, consumer goods, finance, media, sport and manufacturing. Past subjects have included major technology firms, luxury brands, sports leagues and industrial companies. The hosts trace how each business began, how it grew and the decisions, people and market forces that shaped its success.
Deep Research and Analysis
Acquired is known for extensive research and long episodes, some of which run for several hours. Gilbert and Rosenthal combine storytelling with analysis, discussing business models, competitive advantages and lessons for founders and investors. Their engaging back-and-forth makes complex business history accessible and entertaining, and some episodes include interviews with company leaders.
Listening and Live Shows
Acquired is available on major podcast platforms and on YouTube, with a large archive of company episodes. The hosts have also recorded live shows before audiences. The podcast suits founders, investors, business students and anyone who enjoys detailed business history, and it is especially valuable for listeners who want to understand how great companies are built.