Produced by: BT Desk
Mark Zuckerberg's foray into high-end BBQ restaurants has analysts and investors puzzled. So what exactly is going on?
On January 10, Zuckerberg wrote on his Instagram handle, “Started raising cattle at Ko’olau Ranch on Kauai, and my goal is to create some of the highest quality beef in the world”.
The post makes world apprehensive about Zuckerberg's future plans, especially at a time when regulatory changes, shifting user behaviour, and tech advancements are casting a shadow on Zuckerberg’s empire.
Zuckerberg has been selling shares worth USD428 million even as Meta’s stock skyrocketed 194%. While some see the move as part of his efforts to diversify investments beyond Meta, others feel Zuckerberg is anticipating regulatory headwinds ahead of elections in 60 countries.
While Meta’s platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram boast of immense power to influence voters, alleged misinformation campaigns and political meddling in the past continue to be a blemish on the company’s reputation.
According to a report in The Telegraph, the Real Facebook Oversight Board, an activist group, has claimed that Meta had “hollowed out its election integrity team” and is likely facing twin-threats of disinformation and AI-powered deepfake ahead of the elections.
A major concern for investors is that billions of dollars pumped into Meta’s business which produces hardware and software for virtual reality and augmented reality haven’t really flied.
Meta’s user base has significantly slowed down, especially in developed markets. Younger demographics favour platforms such as TikTok (banned in India) and X (formerly Twitter). Both are eating into Facebook’s market share.
Ad-targeting limitations make it harder for Meta to maintain its strong revenue growth. The company also faces scrutiny worldwide with anti-trust lawsuits and allegations of privacy violations adding to pressure.
Zuckerberg has created a Hawaiian hideaway, rumoured to house an apocalypse-proof bunker. The property reportedly has a vast underground city with a bomb-proof shelter, complete with mansions the size of football fields, industrial kitchens, and a door built to withstand blasts.