They didn't own 100% of the company; probably more like 5-10%. So it's really less than 1x on one of their funds at stake here.

Plus, it's not like it was "do this deal like this, or walk away entirely". What is at risk is either the $100-200mm to fix the options concerns for everyone, or at most, the breakup fee for this deal with Microsoft. Skype probably could find another buyer, even without the Microsoft deal.

Maybe Microsoft overpaid by 2x their nearest competitor. So, a16z only made $200-400mm on this vs. the best alternative (and really, I think it's less than 2x).

The reputation of a top multi-stage fund is worth more than $400mm for sure.

Steve Jobs.

Although you're otherwise probably right.