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View this X/Twitter post from @GeorgeM_Growth published on 10. Juni 2025 um 16:49. This post contains 6 videos and 3 images.
In 1975, Kodak ruled photography—worth $31B. By 2012, they were bankrupt. Not because of competition. Not because of tech. But because of one fatal mistake. Here's the biggest business mistake in history (and how to avoid it): 🧵
It's 1975, and Kodak owns photography: - 90% of film sales worldwide - 85% of camera sales - $10B in annual revenue - Millions in pure profit everyday One engineer was about to change everything...
A young engineer named Steve Sasson walks into Kodak's lab: "I've invented a camera that doesn't need film" The room goes silent. The prototype works perfectly. Kodak's response? Would shock everyone...
The executives were clear: "Bury it" "Patent it" "Tell no one" Their reasoning? Film made them $15 per roll. Why kill a cash cow?
The digital camera could destroy their empire: - 2.5B rolls of film sold yearly - 60% profit margins - Billions in processing equipment They had too much to lose. Or so they thought...
1995 changed everything: Digital cameras flood the market Their competitors race to adapt Kodak's response? Double down on film and disposable cameras
Its 1996 and the disposable camera strategy seemed to work: Still 4th most valuable company Disposable cameras were booming Billions in film sales Reality was about to hit hard...
By 2005, the numbers were brutal: Digital camera sales: Exploding Film sales: Plummeting Kodak's stock: Down 75% Yet they clung to film until the very end...
January 2012: - Bankruptcy declared - 28,000 employees let go - 142 years of history ended All because greed made them bury tomorrow
The greatest irony? Kodak invented the digital future Then killed it to protect the past Today, their patents from 1975 Worth more than their entire company
The lesson? Sometimes your biggest threat Isn't your competition It's your own success Blinding you from innovating
I hope you've found this thread helpful. Follow me @GeorgeM_Growth for more. Like/Repost the quote below if you can: https://x.com/GeorgeM_Growth/status/1932480179785379914
