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David VezerellCreator of Lycos
Country:
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Content:
- David Wetherell: From Humble Beginnings to Internet Visionary
- Business Ventures:
- CMGI: The Internet Empire
- Investments and Foresight:
- Beyond Technology: Social Impact
- Personal Life and Values:
David Wetherell: From Humble Beginnings to Internet Visionary
Early Life and Education:David Wetherell's journey began in Connecticut, where he was raised on a modest chicken farm. Despite his initial plans to pursue teaching, his passion for programming emerged during his college years at Ohio University.
Business Ventures:
In 1982, Wetherell embarked on his entrepreneurial path by joining Softrend as a programmer. He eventually became the company's owner before selling it in 1984 for $4 million. With this capital, he invested in budding internet companies.
CMGI: The Internet Empire
In 1994, CMGI (CMG Information Service) became a public company. Wetherell's astute investments in Lycos, GeoCities, Chemdex, and NaviSite propelled CMGI to become a multi-billion dollar corporation, rivaling giants like Microsoft and AOL.
Investments and Foresight:
Wetherell's investments were guided by four key areas: content, community, commerce, and infrastructure. Colleagues praised his uncanny ability to predict industry trends and "see through the fog" of uncertainty.
Beyond Technology: Social Impact
Wetherell firmly believes in the transformative power of the internet, predicting it would bring unprecedented happiness and opportunities. While he remained tight-lipped about his philanthropic plans, he expressed a commitment to investing in humanity in the coming year.
Personal Life and Values:
A dedicated family man, Wetherell has been married for over two decades and has three children. His personal life is a testament to his unwavering belief in the importance of human connection and values.