Also this is an example of where it is reasonable to build out a service that is itself a feature but a valuable one for a potential acquirer. If AOL, Microsof

Also this is an example of where it is reasonable to build out a service that is itself a feature but a valuable one for a potential acquirer. If AOL, Microsoft, etc wanted to set up a url shortener, it might be worth their while simply obtaining the technical infrastructure, domain knowledge of the staff, business deals and of course all the existing links + data then to just start their own from scratch. (Mind you having taken $14m-$15m that does now make it an expensive aquisition. I'd have thought it a no brainer for the AOL/Microsoft/Yahoo's to pick up bit.ly for $20-$40m)