How did Instagram's co-founders feel about the acquisition offer from Facebook?

When Facebook made the acquisition offer for Instagram in early 2012, Instagram's co-founders, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, had a range of feelings and considerations about the deal:

### **1. **Initial Reactions:**
   - **Openness to the Offer**: Initially, Systrom and Krieger were open to the idea of selling Instagram. The offer was substantial—around $1 billion—and came from a major tech company that was interested in integrating Instagram's successful photo-sharing platform with its own ecosystem. The co-founders recognized the potential benefits of joining forces with Facebook, including access to greater resources and infrastructure.

### **2. **Concerns and Considerations:**
   - **Maintaining Vision and Autonomy**: One of their primary concerns was maintaining Instagram's original vision and culture. Systrom and Krieger were deeply invested in their startup and wanted to ensure that the essence of Instagram's innovative and user-centric approach would not be lost in the acquisition. They were cautious about how the acquisition would impact the company's direction and their ability to continue innovating independently.
   - **Company Culture**: They were also concerned about preserving Instagram's unique culture and working environment. The transition from a small startup to being part of a large corporation could potentially affect the company's dynamics and creative environment.

### **3. **Negotiations and Decision-Making:**
   - **Negotiation Process**: During the negotiation process, Systrom and Krieger engaged in discussions with Facebook's leadership, including Mark Zuckerberg. They sought assurances that Instagram would retain its brand identity and operational independence while benefiting from Facebook's support and resources.
   - **Decision to Accept**: Ultimately, after careful consideration and negotiation, Systrom and Krieger decided to accept Facebook's offer. The deal was seen as a way to secure Instagram's future and provide it with the means to scale rapidly and effectively. They believed that the acquisition would allow Instagram to grow while still preserving its core values and mission.

### **4. **Post-Acquisition Reflections:**
   - **Acknowledgment of Benefits**: After the acquisition, Systrom and Krieger acknowledged the benefits that came with Facebook's resources, including improved infrastructure, greater reach, and the ability to innovate further.
   - **Challenges and Tensions**: They also faced challenges related to balancing their vision with the demands and priorities of Facebook. Over time, tensions arose regarding the level of autonomy and the direction of the platform, leading to their eventual decision to step down in 2018.

In summary, while Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger were initially receptive to Facebook's acquisition offer due to the potential benefits, they were also deeply concerned about preserving Instagram's vision, culture, and operational independence. Their decision to accept the offer was influenced by a mix of strategic considerations and a desire to secure Instagram's future while navigating the complexities of integrating with a larger tech company.