What are some examples of billion-dollar companies that were built on previously failed ideas?

The book 'Super Founders' reveals several surprising truths about billion-dollar startups and their founders. One of the key revelations is that many successful companies are built on ideas that have previously failed. For instance, General Magic developed the first smartphone in 1995, but the company was long gone before Apple's first iPhone was introduced 12 years later. Similarly, at least eight other search engines were created before Google. The book also debunks the myth that successful startup founders are typically Ivy League drop-outs who launched their companies from dorm rooms. In reality, anyone with a good idea and the right execution can become a successful founder.

General Magic was a company that developed the first smartphone in 1995. However, despite their innovative product, the company did not survive to see the widespread adoption of smartphones. The concept of 'General Magic' in the context of the book 'Super Founders' is likely used to illustrate the point that many successful ideas in business are built on the foundations of previous attempts that did not succeed. In this case, General Magic's early smartphone paved the way for future successful products like Apple's iPhone.

The book 'Super Founders' debunks myths about billion-dollar startup founders by presenting facts and case studies that contradict common misconceptions. For instance, it highlights that many successful companies are built on ideas that had previously failed, such as the smartphone by General Magic before Apple's iPhone, and the existence of at least eight other search engines before Google. It suggests that success is not exclusive to Ivy League drop-outs or those who start companies from their dorm rooms, but can be achieved by anyone with determination and a good idea.