Get All Access for $5/mo

The Three Things a Startup Needs The chairman of Google's parent company Alphabet Inc. shares insights on what he looks for when investing in companies.

By David Meltzer

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

John Hennessy is the chairman of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company. In this episode of #ThePlaybook, Hennessy talks with host David Meltzer about the "formula" companies need to be great, what he looks for when evaluating a startup and why you shouldn't focus on your legacy too early in your career.

Hennessy talks about his childhood, including his parents and his five siblings' influence on him. He speaks to the importance of doing great things for customers and employees for businesses.

Hennessy discusses what he looks for in startups when evaluating whether and how much to invest in them, namely their technology, the risk associated with the business and team risk — whether the company's management can handle change and growth.

Hennessy talks about legacy and why focusing on it too early in your career could make you risk-averse. He also paraphrases his favorite Socrates quote, which relates to legacy.

Relate: The Story Behind the E! Network

David Meltzer

Co-Founder of Sports 1 Marketing, Speaker, Author and Business Coach

David Meltzer, co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing and host of Entrepreneur's podcast, “The Playbook”, is a Top 100 Business Coach, global public speaker and three-time international best-selling author who has been honored by Variety as “Sports Humanitarian of the Year”.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Leadership

7 Telltale Signs of a Weak Leader

Whether a bully or a people pleaser who can't tell hard truths, poor leadership takes many forms.

Franchise

Kick-Start Your Small Business With These Cost Effective Strategies

Starting a small business is an exciting adventure, brimming with both opportunities and challenges. A key to success is effectively managing costs from the outset.

Living

70% of Small Business Owners Experience Monthly Burnout. Follow These 3 Rules to Avoid the Same Fate.

Here are three guidelines to help entrepreneurs achieve balance, growth and success in both their professional and personal endeavors.

Side Hustle

'Hustling Every Day': These Friends Started a Side Hustle With $2,500 Each — It 'Snowballed' to Over $500,000 and Became a Multimillion-Dollar Brand

Paris Emily Nicholson and Saskia Teje Jenkins had a 2020 brainstorm session that led to a lucrative business.

Growing a Business

How to Build, Grow and Make Money With Ecommerce

To grow your online business, you need to develop a strategy and invest your time wisely. These actionable tips can attract customers and increase online revenue.