Marc Benioff on LinkedIn: 'You Can’t Win Them All'

The transcript covers Salesforce's acquisition strategy, highlighting the Demandware acquisition and the missed opportunity with LinkedIn, which was acquired by Microsoft. It also discusses Oracle's acquisition of NetSuite and the implications for Salesforce. The speaker shares insights into their relationship with Larry Ellison, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and business relationships.

What are the two main criteria Salesforce considers before acquiring a company?

• Innovative products and market dominance

• Strong leadership and a large customer base

• Great technology and a low price

• Great entrepreneurs and the right price

Why did Salesforce decide to pursue the acquisition of Demandware?

• Demandware had an offer from another company

• Demandware was a new startup

• Demandware was struggling financially

• Demandware was a competitor

What was the outcome of Salesforce's attempt to acquire LinkedIn?

• LinkedIn was acquired by Oracle

• Microsoft acquired LinkedIn

• LinkedIn remained independent

• Salesforce successfully acquired LinkedIn

How does Salesforce view its competition with Microsoft after the LinkedIn acquisition?

• Salesforce sees Microsoft as a major threat

• Salesforce believes it is still growing faster than Microsoft

• Salesforce is not concerned about Microsoft

• Salesforce plans to acquire Microsoft

What is the nature of the relationship between Salesforce's leadership and Larry Ellison?

• They have no interaction

• They are business partners

• They are fierce rivals with no personal relationship

• They have a competitive yet friendly relationship