Whatever Happened To VEOH?

TL;DR

Dimitri created Vo, a video sharing website similar to YouTube, but a copyright lawsuit led to its demise.

Transcript

after a few experiences in web development he started the successful cyber security company iconic systems but a few years into this venture dimitri had a vision I remember it clearly I was on my honeymoon on the Big Island of Hawaii on November 18th of 2004 and my wife and I had gone to a Costco down there to buy some new memory sticks for our cam... Read More

Key Insights

• 🚀 Dimitri had a vision for internet video broadcasting before YouTube launched.
• 🎮 Convincing investors about the potential of video broadcasting was a significant challenge.
• 🐕‍🦺 Vo gained popularity as one of the largest video sharing sites with plans for an internet television service.
• 🥺 A copyright lawsuit by Universal Music Group led to the financial and mental exhaustion of Vo.
• ❓ Dimitri's experience with Vo was emotionally and mentally devastating.
• 👮 Dimitri's irony in being recruited as the chief technology officer of MySpace Music, a joint venture with the music labels that sued Vo.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Dimitri's vision for video broadcasting on the internet come about?

Dimitri had the idea while driving back from a Costco trip during his honeymoon, realizing the potential for anyone to broadcast video on the internet.

Q: What challenges did Dimitri face in convincing investors about his vision?

Investors were skeptical about the demand for video broadcasting and the ability to make money from user-generated content and lacked understanding of the potential of the internet video industry.

Q: How did Vo differ from other video sharing sites like YouTube?

Vo allowed users to upload and share their content, but it also aggregated links to streaming videos from independent and major networks, providing a wider range of programming.

Q: What led to the downfall of Vo?

The company was sued by Universal Music Group for hosting videos with copyrighted music, leading to financial exhaustion, bankruptcy, and ultimately the sale of the company.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Dimitri had a vision to make it possible for anyone to broadcast video on the internet before YouTube launched.

• He raised $34 million to start his first company but struggled to convince investors of the potential of video broadcasting.

• Vo became one of the largest video sharing sites with plans to launch an Internet television service, but a copyright lawsuit bankrupted the company.