I love reading analyses that dive deep into "The Rise of Company X".
My favorite ones approach companies from the perspective of an analyst and go beyond linear narrative to look at early go to market and product decisions, strategic tradeoffs, company culture, competitive dynamics, and missteps. The best ones explain what unique early insights led to innovation and eventually market power. It is also great when the analysts take a position on the future of the company — what threats to they face and what needs to be done from here to maintain, expand, or regain competitive advantage?
I have written a couple pieces of my own that sort of fall into this genre...
Below are a bunch I've enjoyed.
If you have any others I should read and include, let me know here on Twitter! And if you want updates when I add new companies to this list or publish a new compilation, enter your email below.
Essays, Interviews, and Articles