NorthWest Biotherapeutics Inc (NWBO)

[XMaster2023]

It's fascinating to look at instances where major companies overlooked innovations that later became hugely successful. Here are a few prominent examples:
* Xerox and the Personal Computer:
* Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) was a hotbed of innovation, developing technologies like the graphical user interface (GUI), the mouse, and the laser printer.
* However, Xerox management largely failed to capitalize on these inventions, focusing instead on their existing copier business.
* This allowed companies like Apple and Microsoft to leverage these technologies and build the modern personal computer industry.
* Kodak and Digital Photography:
* Ironically, Kodak actually invented the first digital camera.
* However, the company, heavily invested in its film business, failed to recognize the disruptive potential of digital photography.
* This reluctance to embrace the new technology ultimately led to Kodak's decline and bankruptcy.
* Nokia and Smartphones:
* Nokia was once the dominant force in the mobile phone market.
* However, the company was slow to adapt to the rise of smartphones, underestimating the importance of software and app ecosystems.
* Their failure to compete with the iPhone and Android platforms resulted in a significant loss of market share.
* Blockbuster and Streaming:
* Blockbuster Video dominated the video rental market.
* They had the opportunity to purchase Netflix early on, but declined.
* They failed to recognize the shift towards online streaming, and this led to their demise as Netflix and other streaming services took over.
These examples highlight the importance of:
* Staying adaptable: Being willing to embrace new technologies and market shifts.
* Avoiding complacency: Not resting on past successes.
* Recognizing disruptive innovation: Understanding the potential of new technologies to change the market.
It's a reminder that even the biggest companies can miss out on major opportunities if they're not willing to adapt and innovate.
So when you say Merck passed on NWBO, first of all, you don’t know that for sure. Second, I would say, their loss.

In the beginning IBM also passed on the personal computer market. Imagine, a person computer in each house? That’s STUPID! Bill Gates? The guy is an idiot!!