Leveraging Technology: Monster’s BeKnown(TM)

Press Release

Leveraging Technology: LinkedIn

The success of the LinkedIn IPO last night prompted me to read the prospectus this morning (ideally it works the other way around). The revenue model as detailed in the prospectus is HERE.

I’ve been vaguely aware of the business over time as emails have arrived with an invitation to join, or as I have been looking for people and been directed to their LinkedIn profile. The $9b USD market cap at last night’s closing price certainly got me thinking though. If over time the fundamentals of the business can support this valuation it seems to have some implications for increasingly how employers and job searchers will connect.  Seek’s position on LinkedIn as presented in their investor day on May 3rd 2011 is HERE.

Leveraging Technology: Kindle

I thought this POST was interesting.

USD / Debt / Gatekeepers

JP Morgan 15_04_2011

Fund Update

Since our last fund update of 28 February, the S&P/ASX200 has declined nearly 6%, the US S&P500 5% and the German DAX 10%.

While there has been some changes at the margin, our overall positioning has not changed materially. The main activity was in early March where we bought more out of the money put options on an Australian bank which we considered a broad market hedge – in recent days we have taken some profits on this position.

Over the past couple of weeks, several of our US and European holdings have reported full year 2010 results. These results have largely met our expectations. If weakness continues it may provide the opportunity to build on our core positions.

As at 16 March the fund is 33.7% long and 2.6% short. We also have positions in Australian bank put options (as referenced above), IAG call options and Yen put options. The fund’s large cash position leaves it well placed to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.