“FuckedCompany first went live in 2000, chronicling failing and troubled companies in its unique and abrasive style after the dot com bust. Within a year it had a massive audience and was getting serious mainstream press attention. As the startup economy became better in 2004, much of the attention the site received went away.”
The attention did not quite disappear: it just shifted to TechCrunch as the boom picked up. Now they all come together: TechCrunch acquired FuckedCompany. Seemingly logical: Editor Mike Arrington has for some time maintained a DeadPool. While some considered it a cynical move, I always thought it was part of providing a full picture of startup-land. I suppose the DeadPool will soon be merged into FuckedCrunch.
The transaction itself, and Mike’s explanation are not exactly bullish signs for the startup world. In fact it very much looks like Mike hedges the bets.
There’s another notable point “hidden” in today’s announcement: it was a 100% stock transaction. Meaning: TechCrunch has *stocks*. The only other reference I’ve noticed before was a few days ago, when Mike hinted he would offer stock options to bloggers-for-hire. Add to this the recent hiring of M&A hotshot Heather Harde as CEO and it’s not that difficult to see that bubble or not, Mike Arrington is setting the stage for at least one more lucrative exit…
Update (3/31): Of course all if this may just be an April Fools’ joke, whether FC was actually acquired or not. As a matter of fact, it may have started as a joke that will materialize anyway…
Oh dear Zoli – you bought it. Didn’t some of the ‘logic’ cause to notice the sweet smell of BS?
Hint: How does TC makes its money?
My dear Dennis, I think you’re missing something bigger buried in here…
🙂