Should we buy or build?
It’s a question the technology industry has been stuck on for decades. Some argue that building in-house is better because it gives you ultimate control. Others insist it’s better to buy the infrastructure and focus on your core product. Six years ago, Shensi Ding left her job as Chief of Staff at Expanse to permanently side with the “buy” camp.
The problem she was trying t...
The strongest version of this narrative highlights Merge’s strategic foresight in identifying a persistent enterprise pain point—integration complexity—and its adaptability in leveraging the AI boom. The company’s deliberate, research-first approach contrasts with Silicon Valley’s "move fast" ethos, suggesting a viable alternative for technical founders. Ding’s emphasis on long-term relationships over price wars aligns with sustainable business fundamentals, a refreshing counterpoint to growth-a...