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Bullish +65

Reid Hoffman Exits Microsoft Board A Decade After LinkedIn Sale — Stock Has Soared 570% - Benzinga

👋 Reid Hoffman is stepping down from the Microsoft Board of Directors after serving for 10 years since LinkedIn's acquisition.

💊 Hoffman is pivoting his focus to Manus (Manas AI), an AI-driven drug discovery startup he co-founded.

📈 Microsoft stock has gained 570% since the December 2016 LinkedIn deal, significantly outperforming the S&P 500.

💰 The $26.2 billion LinkedIn acquisition remains Microsoft's second-largest deal in company history.

🎙️ Hoffman discussed his departure on his 'Possible' podcast alongside Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

📊 On the day of the LinkedIn closing, Microsoft stock was trading at $61.58 before adjusting for dividends.

Bullish Signals
  • Microsoft stock has delivered exceptional returns, rising 570% since the LinkedIn acquisition closed in December 2016.
  • The company continues to outperform the broader market, gaining more than double the S&P 500's 230% return over the same timeframe.
  • Reid Hoffman is transitioning to a new venture, Manus, which is showing significant progress in AI-powered drug discovery.
Full Analysis
Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and former managing partner at Greylock Partners, has announced his departure from the Microsoft Board of Directors after a decade-long tenure. This exit marks the end of an era dating back to December 2016, when Microsoft completed its historic $26.2 billion acquisition of LinkedIn, which remains the company's second-largest deal in history, surpassed only by the Activision Blizzard purchase. Hoffman stated he is stepping down to dedicate more time and effort to Manus (Manas AI), an AI-powered drug discovery startup he co-founded. During a recent episode of his 'Possible' podcast featuring Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Hoffman emphasized the need to return to founder mode as Manus shows significant progress. The article contextualizes this leadership change by highlighting Microsoft's substantial stock performance since the LinkedIn acquisition closed. While Microsoft stock traded at $61.58 on the closing date of the deal, it has since surged to $412.63, representing a 570% gain compared to the S&P 500's 230% increase over the same period.