E28: Sam Yagan on Tinder, SparkNotes, and $50B of Deals

Sam Yagan shares his inspiring origin story with Al and Ravin, from founding SparkNotes as a senior at Harvard to selling it for 50M just 9 months later. His 8-year journey at OKCupid culminating with a sale to Match Group/IAC is discussed, with the runaway success af Tinder. At peak, the market cap of his company was 50B.

Sam also shares his thoughts on immigration, the venture market, and spotting the next big thing - even when it doesn't sound like it in the VC world. The value of elite colleges is debated, and also how to maintain harmony in business partnerships.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.