Living Videotext
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founder | Dave Winer |
| Fate | Merged with Symantec in September 1987 |
| Headquarters | Palo Alto, California , United States |
| Products | ThinkTank, MORE |
Number of employees | 50 (1986) |
Living Videotext was a software enterprise established in 1983 by Dave Winer, operating out of Palo Alto, California. The company focused on developing outlining software, debuting its primary product, ThinkTank, initially for the Apple II. Subsequently, Winer adapted ThinkTank for IBM PC compatible platforms and enlisted his brother Peter to create a Macintosh version. By April 1985, ThinkTank had achieved sales of 30,000 units, capturing approximately 10% of the Mac user base. Contributions to the Macintosh adaptation were also made by Doug Baron.
Toward the end of 1984, Living Videotext introduced MORE, a sophisticated outliner that incorporated graphical innovations such as transforming outlines into bullet charts suitable for presentations. By 1986, the company’s workforce had grown to roughly fifty employees. Although it faced financial difficulties at times, the launch of MORE played a crucial role in stabilizing the business.
In February 1987, Winer engaged in discussions with Microsoft CEO Bill Gates, who proposed purchasing Living Videotext in exchange for Microsoft stock. This agreement did not materialize; instead, Microsoft acquired rival firm Forethought, Inc., developers of Microsoft PowerPoint, for $14 million. PowerPoint subsequently became an integral component of the Microsoft Office suite.
After receiving multiple acquisition proposals, Living Videotext ultimately merged with Symantec in September 1987. Under Symantec’s ownership, many of its well-known products were eventually distributed as free "antique versions."