Systrom was coming to terms with the practical realities of the deal’s close. His people, so focused, fast, and passionate, were about to be part of a massive corporation, with all the comforts that entailed in the age of the Silicon Valley talent wars. Free food, free transportation to and from work, free sweatshirts, water bottles, and parties. What if they lost their drive? What if they felt like they’d made it and stopped working as hard? Most outsiders assumed Systrom’s own journey was over. In Silicon Valley, it was common for founders, once their companies were acquired, to “rest and
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