Groupon Founder Andrew Mason | 40 Under 40

For someone with a life goal no less lofty than "changing the world," Andrew Mason doesn't seem to take himself too seriously. When he found out that his company, Groupon, was up against Abbott Laboratories for a Chicago Innovation people's choice award, he wasn't daunted by the voting power of Abbott's 68,000 employees. Instead, he and his staff put together a YouTube attack ad mocking "persistent rumors" that Abbott is "an illegal cloning farm." (Groupon didn't win.)

"I have awesome investors who are ridiculously supportive of the stupid stunts that I just can't help myself but do," he says.
Mr. Mason's investors, however, take him very seriously.
In late 2006, a cell phone pitch to veteran Chicago investor Eric Lefkowsky led to a $1-million investment in Mr. Mason's new company, The Point Inc. Mr. Mason was 26.

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• 40 under 40
• Crain's Chicago Business

[723lion]

THE KING OF DOUCHBAG!!!!!!!!!!

[kevindegroof]

I love Groupon

[mordred612]

Be careful of using groupon. Their advertising is deceptive. They use classic used car salesman bait and switch to capture sales. In the subject line of their emails they will make a blanket statement of 50% off of shoes and then when you actually look at the discount you will find that that percentage is based off of a particular value coupon.,,

[jmwwd]

@Almanzajj If that's how it works, it is fair. What's not fair about it? They offer refunds when customer is dissatisfied I think and there are risks of vendor running out of business, screwing up coupon by getting the money and not honoring coupons, etc. Groupon has to cover their ass.

[jmwwd]

LOL! MMA has Chael Sonnen, the business world has Andrew Mason, LOL! What a freaking clown! Yeah, it's hard to dislike him. Good job on Groupon Andrew!

[pointvictor]

fantastic example of great  self confidence of a leader.

[chrisk79]

Hilarious. Andrew Mason's a king. I wish more companies out there had a sense of humour. The consumer landscape would be a lot more fun.

[sweetfeat1]

That was epic lmmfaoo

[jonnyporsche911]

Does anyone have any comments of good buys? I have used Groupon for 2 purchases (one was over $400.00) and both went perfectly. I think that it's an amazing site where people can save HUGE!! I love it!!

[Almanzajj]

Groupon is not likes it seems to be!

people buy a voucher but Groupon keeps the money anyway...if the customer don't shows up to your shop...is it fair?