Ben Thompson

Background

Ben Thompson graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Economics and later earned an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. His early career included roles in business development and strategy at Microsoft and Apple, where he gained foundational experience in the technology sector.

Major contributions

Ben Thompson is the founder of Stratechery, a subscription-based newsletter and blog focused on the analysis of technology and business strategy. He is the creator of the "Aggregation Theory," a framework explaining how platforms like Google and Facebook achieve dominance by controlling demand and commoditizing suppliers. He co-founded Stratchery, LLC, which operates the website and associated podcast.

Impact on their field

Thompson's Aggregation Theory has become a widely cited model for understanding the dynamics of the modern internet economy and the power of digital platforms. His writing at Stratechery is influential among technology executives, investors, and journalists, providing a consistent analytical framework for industry events. The publication is recognized for its deep, forward-looking analysis of business models and competitive strategy in tech.

Current work/relevance

Ben Thompson continues to author Stratechery, producing multiple articles per week for subscribers. He regularly speaks at industry conferences and participates in interviews and podcasts. His work remains focused on analyzing the strategies of major technology firms, the evolving regulatory landscape, and emerging trends like artificial intelligence.

Who They Are

Ben Thompson is a tech analyst, writer, and entrepreneur best known for his sharp insights into the strategies of the world's biggest technology companies. Born in Taiwan and educated in the United States, his career path is a classic tech story. He worked in various roles, including at Apple and Microsoft, before finding his true calling not in building products, but in explaining the forces that make them succeed or fail. This led him to start his own one-person media company, a newsletter that grew into a must-read for industry insiders.


Why They Matter

Thompson’s influence stems from his ability to demystify complex tech business strategies for a broad audience. He didn't just report the news; he provided a powerful framework for understanding it. His key achievement is building a highly successful, subscription-based business from scratch, proving that independent journalism could thrive. He matters because executives, investors, and enthusiasts rely on his analysis to understand the present and future of technology, making him a thought leader whose opinions genuinely shape the conversation.


What They're Known For

Ben Thompson is overwhelmingly known for his daily newsletter and website, Stratechery (a blend of "strategy" and "tech"). It's here that he developed and popularized several influential concepts that are now part of the standard tech lexicon.

Aggregation Theory
This is his seminal idea, explaining how platforms like Google and Facebook became so powerful by controlling demand and commodifying suppliers.

The Dumb Pipe
A concept describing how telecom providers risk becoming mere utilities, with all the value and profit captured by the software and services running on their networks.

The Great Unbundling
His analysis of how the internet broke apart traditional packaged services (like the newspaper), only for them to be rebundled by new platforms (like Facebook).