Live data from Hacker News

Yahoo Close to Investing in Snapchat at $10B Value

bloomberg.com

11–20 of 48 posts

Re: Yahoo Close to Investing in Snapchat at $10B Value

#12

It's not clear how much Yahoo is investing at that valuation, but I hope that the stated reason of re-creating an Alibaba type investment is not the primary driver. Despite the success of Alibaba, a single data point is not a trend (even a spectacular one like Alibaba), and I'm not sure that Yahoo's core competency is/should be picking winners.

[deleted]

Re: Yahoo Close to Investing in Snapchat at $10B Value

#13

It's not clear how much Yahoo is investing at that valuation, but I hope that the stated reason of re-creating an Alibaba type investment is not the primary driver. Despite the success of Alibaba, a single data point is not a trend (even a spectacular one like Alibaba), and I'm not sure that Yahoo's core competency is/should be picking winners.

I fear that Yahoo has little faith in its long-term vision and is placing it in another company. Although there is nothing wrong with this action directly, it does show that their capital is more useful somewhere else rather than within their own company for a similar vertical.

Re: Yahoo Close to Investing in Snapchat at $10B Value

#14
post #10

Snapchat must be huge in the teen/young adult demographic to justify this valuation as I don't see many adults using this app anymore. Although this is a fairly localized/anecdotal opinion of the app, perhaps in other regions, Snapchat is big among many demographic categories.

I am a 23 year old at a large state school and I can tell you that snapchat is definitely the most popular social media app on campus.

It has completely replaced texting for a lot of my peers and in my opinion is best way to flirt electronically. Twitter and instagram are tied for second, with Facebook coming in last.

For what its worth, meeting someone who isn't on snapchat is unheard of, but I haven't added anyone on facebook since the fall term began.

Yik Yak is also on the rise but it's anonymous nature limits connections, and in turn growth.

Re: Yahoo Close to Investing in Snapchat at $10B Value

#15
post #10

Snapchat must be huge in the teen/young adult demographic to justify this valuation as I don't see many adults using this app anymore. Although this is a fairly localized/anecdotal opinion of the app, perhaps in other regions, Snapchat is big among many demographic categories.

Oh, it's definitely huge in that demographic (I'm in it). My only question is for how long. My peers are a fickle bunch.

Re: Yahoo Close to Investing in Snapchat at $10B Value

#17

It's not clear how much Yahoo is investing at that valuation, but I hope that the stated reason of re-creating an Alibaba type investment is not the primary driver. Despite the success of Alibaba, a single data point is not a trend (even a spectacular one like Alibaba), and I'm not sure that Yahoo's core competency is/should be picking winners.

Other reports have said it's in the ballpark of $20M.

http://online.wsj.com/articles/yahoo-nears-investment-in-sna...

Re: Yahoo Close to Investing in Snapchat at $10B Value

#18
post #17

It's not clear how much Yahoo is investing at that valuation, but I hope that the stated reason of re-creating an Alibaba type investment is not the primary driver. Despite the success of Alibaba, a single data point is not a trend (even a spectacular one like Alibaba), and I'm not sure that Yahoo's core competency is/should be picking winners.

Other reports have said it's in the ballpark of $20M. http://online.wsj.com/articles/yahoo-nears-investment-in-sna...

Which is peanuts to Yahoo. This basically seems like they're trying to emulate Google Ventures without the full commitment of creating an organization like that. Seems smart.

Re: Yahoo Close to Investing in Snapchat at $10B Value

#19
post #10

Snapchat must be huge in the teen/young adult demographic to justify this valuation as I don't see many adults using this app anymore. Although this is a fairly localized/anecdotal opinion of the app, perhaps in other regions, Snapchat is big among many demographic categories.

I am a 23 year old at a large state school and I can tell you that snapchat is definitely the most popular social media app on campus. It has completely replaced texting for a lot of my peers and in my opinion is best way to flirt electronically. Twitter and instagram are tied for second, with Facebook coming in last. For what its worth, meeting someone who isn't on snapchat is unheard of, but I haven't added anyone…

I feel like Facebook is flaming out. Do you get that sense too?

Re: Yahoo Close to Investing in Snapchat at $10B Value

#20
post #10

Snapchat must be huge in the teen/young adult demographic to justify this valuation as I don't see many adults using this app anymore. Although this is a fairly localized/anecdotal opinion of the app, perhaps in other regions, Snapchat is big among many demographic categories.

I am a 23 year old at a large state school and I can tell you that snapchat is definitely the most popular social media app on campus. It has completely replaced texting for a lot of my peers and in my opinion is best way to flirt electronically. Twitter and instagram are tied for second, with Facebook coming in last. For what its worth, meeting someone who isn't on snapchat is unheard of, but I haven't added anyone…

Even though there's a lot of users on Yik Yak, I feel like snapchat doesn't follow the 1% rule (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1%25_rule_%28Internet_culture%2...).

On yik yak their's a lot of lookers, but few posters. On Snapchat everyone is creating/viewing content. Its become the replacement to texting. Shall I dare say its the whatsapp of American 18-25 year olds.

Post reply on HN