That Will Never Work: The Birth of Netflix and the Amazing Life of an Idea by Marc Randolph

That Will Never Work: The Birth of Netflix and the Amazing Life of an Idea is written by Marc Randolph. It is presented as an entrepreneurial business narrative about the early development of Netflix.

Synopsis

Set against the video-rental landscape of 1997, Marc Randolph recounts how a simple idea for renting films via the internet was explored, tested and ultimately pursued with Reed Hastings. The account follows the company’s earliest stages, from sceptical first conversations and improvised working arrangements to technical setbacks and pivotal meetings, including the moment Netflix approached Blockbuster about an acquisition.

Alongside the inside story, the book frames practical questions around starting out, handling disappointment, responding to success and defining what success means. It also touches on idea generation, building a team and recognising when it is time to let go. Suitable for readers interested in start-ups, entrepreneurship and the origins of Netflix.