David Perell
Where the Liberal Arts Went Wrong
We’ve lost touch with the ultimate purpose of education: to transform our being and improve our...
a year ago
We’ve lost touch with the ultimate purpose of education: to transform our being and improve our character. The liberal arts are the ends, not the means.
The post Where the Liberal Arts Went Wrong appeared first on David Perell.
Stephen Diehl
The Political Case for a Blanket Cryptocurrency Ban
over a year ago
AVC
The New York Tech Sector
The New York Times had a piece yesterday suggesting that tech will no longer be a growth engine for...
a year ago
The New York Times had a piece yesterday suggesting that tech will no longer be a growth engine for NYC and the surrounding metro area as it has been for the last twenty years. I am not going to link to the piece because it is behind a paywall but if you want to read […]
Rest of World -...
China’s favorite resale app is a youth subculture hotspot
You can sell anything on it, and millions do, but it's also become a forum for fandoms and birthed a...
a year ago
You can sell anything on it, and millions do, but it's also become a forum for fandoms and birthed a unique style of confessional item listings.
Paul Graham: Essays
An Alternative Theory of Unions
over a year ago
Rest of World -...
Crunchyroll is trying to turn India into a nation of anime lovers
The world’s largest anime streaming service is opening its second local office, working with...
4 months ago
The world’s largest anime streaming service is opening its second local office, working with Bollywood stars, and adding dozens of shows per quarter.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
New York City needs a tech startup blog
At first it seemed like Silicon Alley Insider would be this, but they seem to have moved away from...
over a year ago
At first it seemed like Silicon Alley Insider would be this, but they seem to have moved away from covering NYC startups. The New York Times…
Aaron's Essays
Asking questions
Small children are great at asking questions. Their questions are simple, direct, and utterly...
over a year ago
Small children are great at asking questions. Their questions are simple, direct, and utterly without ego. If you spend time with 2-5 year olds, you’ll find yourself answering a near infinite series of progressively more challenging questions. This is one of the main paths by...
Paul Graham: Essays
Why Twitter is a Big Deal
over a year ago
Ed Zitron's Where's...
Managing Up
Over the last two newsletters (three, if you include my reply to Google’s “rebuttal” of the...
7 months ago
Over the last two newsletters (three, if you include my reply to Google’s “rebuttal” of the Prabhakar Raghavan newsletter), I’ve made the case that while rot economics are responsible for making technology products manifestly worse, this transformation was only possible thanks to...
Rest of World -...
Nigeria’s Ogun State wants to lead the country’s EV revolution
But experts fear long-term success may not follow as Nigeria lags other African countries when it...
a month ago
But experts fear long-term success may not follow as Nigeria lags other African countries when it comes to EV adoption.
SatPost by Trung...
Francis Ford Coppola: The Entrepreneur
Exploring the legendary director's business career in 8 films, a studio and a winery.
3 months ago
Exploring the legendary director's business career in 8 films, a studio and a winery.
Paul Graham: Essays
The Hacker's Guide to Investors
over a year ago
Blog posts of...
Startup Mentoring Sessions: How to get the most out of it.
Everyone is doing pitch training. Almost no-one does training for the mentoring session, but this is...
over a year ago
Everyone is doing pitch training. Almost no-one does training for the mentoring session, but this is where most startups get the m...
Rest of World -...
Nigeria’s economic crisis is fueling a stunt philanthropy boom
A crop of content creators are building fame on MrBeast-style content.
4 months ago
A crop of content creators are building fame on MrBeast-style content.
Platformer
The TikTok bans are accelerating
With a key vote scheduled for tonight, the company's options are growing limited
a year ago
With a key vote scheduled for tonight, the company's options are growing limited
Business Brainstorms
💡 Business Brainstorms 💡- My favorite ideas of the week
🛰️ Starlink Plus
2 months ago
Noahpinion
The U.S. would be insane to go it alone on trade and manufacturing
Punching down on our allies will not help the middle class.
8 months ago
Punching down on our allies will not help the middle class.
Rest of World -...
MercadoLibre is a massive fish in a medium-sized pond
The Argentine e-commerce company is no doubt beating the likes of Amazon in Latin America, but how...
a year ago
The Argentine e-commerce company is no doubt beating the likes of Amazon in Latin America, but how comparable are the two?
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Notes on the acquisition process
Ten years ago, startup financing was an insider’s game. Since then, the topic has been widely...
over a year ago
Ten years ago, startup financing was an insider’s game. Since then, the topic has been widely discussed on blogs, to the great benefit of…
Tech + Economics +...
The patriarchy is a modern invention, not the natural order.
The "patriarchy", a male-dominated social order with entrenched hierarchies
giving power and...
11 months ago
The "patriarchy", a male-dominated social order with entrenched hierarchies
giving power and authority to men over women, is pitched by masculinity
influencers and pop social scientists as humanity's natural state. They
argue patriarchy represents the primal hard-wiring of...
Internal Tech Emails
"I don't want to create a paper trail"
I would prefer that Omid do it verbally since I don't want to create a paper trail over which we can...
a year ago
I would prefer that Omid do it verbally since I don't want to create a paper trail over which we can be sued later? Not sure about this.. thanks Eric
Internal Tech Emails
"[Steve Ballmer] thinks we ought to admit that Windows 98 will be a yawner"
Since the press gave Billg & Steveb a hard time this week at the press retreat, Steveb is panic’d...
over a year ago
Since the press gave Billg & Steveb a hard time this week at the press retreat, Steveb is panic’d that we are setting expectations too high on Windows 98. He thinks we ought to come out and admit that Windows 98 will be a yawner.
Rest of World -...
Meet the mothers in small-town Hungary leading a fight against Chinese EV battery plants
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s goal to turn Hungary into a global EV battery hub is facing...
2 months ago
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s goal to turn Hungary into a global EV battery hub is facing environmental backlash and legal challenges.
Noahpinion
Price controls: Too early for a victory lap
Narrative-driven triumphalism does not make for sound policy.
a year ago
Narrative-driven triumphalism does not make for sound policy.
Noahpinion
Can unions and industrial policy coexist?
They had better learn how to, and quickly.
a year ago
They had better learn how to, and quickly.
Throwable
How To Estimate An Engineering Project (Or Really Any Project)
There is apparently a cabal of engineers who want you to know that estimating is impossible. Don't...
a year ago
There is apparently a cabal of engineers who want you to know that estimating is impossible. Don't believe 'em.
Steve Blank
Even the Smartest VCs Sometimes Get it Wrong – Bill Gurley and Regulated Markets
Bill Gurley was one of Silicon Valley’s smartest and most successful VCs. He recently gave a talk at...
a year ago
Bill Gurley was one of Silicon Valley’s smartest and most successful VCs. He recently gave a talk at the All-In Summit that was really two talks in one. The first part was railing against the consequences of regulatory capture on innovation and a second part, about the...
Essays - Benedict...
Stepping out of the firehose
What does a mailbox with 351 thousand unread emails say about Bauhaus, the
Arts and Crafts...
over a year ago
What does a mailbox with 351 thousand unread emails say about Bauhaus, the
Arts and Crafts movement, and the Metaverse?
AVC
Art On The Wall
I’ve written about this topic a bunch over the years. It is something I’ve been interested in for...
a year ago
I’ve written about this topic a bunch over the years. It is something I’ve been interested in for quite a while. Our homes are filled with big hunks of plastic hanging on the wall that are off most of the time. They look like this: Now that’s a lovely scene. Some nice plants. A...
Unpacked
Instacart IPO: Race against market saturation
The company's journey to IPO is impressive but long-term upside hinges on the success of its...
a year ago
The company's journey to IPO is impressive but long-term upside hinges on the success of its long-term bets like ads and the enterprise platform
Rest of World -...
How different languages laugh online
Laughter is universal, but lol is not.
a year ago
Laughter is universal, but lol is not.
Platformer
New cracks emerge in Elon Musk's Twitter
Jira went down, Slack's gone, and site performance is degraded. What's next?
a year ago
Jira went down, Slack's gone, and site performance is degraded. What's next?
Folklore.org:...
The Father Of The Macintosh
Who is the father of the Macintosh?
a year ago
Who is the father of the Macintosh?
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Come for the tool, stay for the network
A popular strategy for bootstrapping networks is what I like to call “come for the tool, stay for...
over a year ago
A popular strategy for bootstrapping networks is what I like to call “come for the tool, stay for the network.” The idea is to initially…
Rest of World -...
A U.S. outsourcing company brought lofty promises to Nepal. Then came the layoffs
Former employees say the company killed the dream it once sold them.
a year ago
Former employees say the company killed the dream it once sold them.
Noahpinion
At least five interesting things for the middle of your week (#44)
Poland vs. China; smartphones; basic income; the soft landing; wages and automation; software and...
5 months ago
Poland vs. China; smartphones; basic income; the soft landing; wages and automation; software and inequality; immigrant doctors
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Incubators
It seems like every successful entrepreneur I know at one point or another kicks around the idea of...
over a year ago
It seems like every successful entrepreneur I know at one point or another kicks around the idea of creating an incubator. The appeal is the…
Rest of World -...
The chatbot answering modern-day questions about an ancient religion
JainGPT answers inquiries ranging from “What is Jainism?” to “What happens after we die?”
2 months ago
JainGPT answers inquiries ranging from “What is Jainism?” to “What happens after we die?”
Rest of World -...
Chinese internet trolls are adopting American racism to taunt Black users
Users are harassing Black creators with profile pictures of white police officers.
a year ago
Users are harassing Black creators with profile pictures of white police officers.
Stephen Diehl
Dive into GHC: Targeting Core
over a year ago
Working Theorys
Invisible Duels
You didn’t agree to this duel. Yet it’s happening.
2 weeks ago
You didn’t agree to this duel. Yet it’s happening.
Noahpinion
Economic development is doing OK
Poor countries aren't catching up as fast as we'd like, but they're catching up faster than before.
a year ago
Poor countries aren't catching up as fast as we'd like, but they're catching up faster than before.
Stephen Diehl
The Intellectual Incoherence of Cryptoassets
over a year ago
Tech + Economics +...
Breaking up with Slack and Discord: why it's time to bring back forums.
When I first found my people online, forums were the main way people
gathered to discuss shared...
11 months ago
When I first found my people online, forums were the main way people
gathered to discuss shared interests. Web-based bulletin boards allowed
members to have ongoing, asynchronous conversations over days or weeks as
participants logged in to read and respond on their own...
Internal Tech Emails
Elon Musk's Twitter texts
I'm not joining the board. This is a waste of time.
over a year ago
I'm not joining the board. This is a waste of time.
Noahpinion
Strategies to secure America's supply chains
A guest post by Yann Calvó López and Ben Golub.
2 months ago
A guest post by Yann Calvó López and Ben Golub.
Stephen Diehl
The Handwavy Technobabble Nothingburger
over a year ago
Noahpinion
How we could return to the productivity growth of the 1990s
A guest post by Preston Mui.
9 months ago
A guest post by Preston Mui.
Rest of World -...
Ride-hailing in Pakistan: A driver’s endless struggle for a clean car
This inDrive worker says he is tired of passengers treating his car like a donkey cart.
a year ago
This inDrive worker says he is tired of passengers treating his car like a donkey cart.
Noahpinion
What's up with those revised job numbers?
Government data revisions can be scary, but they actually aren't that hard to understand.
4 months ago
Government data revisions can be scary, but they actually aren't that hard to understand.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Twitter killed RSS (and that’s a bad thing)
I’ve used Google Reader religiously since it launched. I’m a few days away from quitting it...
over a year ago
I’ve used Google Reader religiously since it launched. I’m a few days away from quitting it forever. Pretty much every blog I read tweets…
Tech + Economics +...
TikTok is revolutionizing news consumption - by eroding context.
The metamorphosis of news consumption is undeniable. TikTok, rising from
the ashes of Vine and the...
a year ago
The metamorphosis of news consumption is undeniable. TikTok, rising from
the ashes of Vine and the gradual decline of Instagram, captivated a new
generation, becoming a primary news source for many. This seismic shift
towards snackable, viral news content brings a host of...
SatPost by Trung...
OpenAI, Humane and Apple's Shadow
The future of consumer AI hardware is coming into focus. Who will win?
a year ago
The future of consumer AI hardware is coming into focus. Who will win?
Steve Blank
Cram Down – A Test of Character for VCs and Founders
This article previously appeared in TechCrunch. Cram downs are back – and I’m keeping a list. At the...
over a year ago
This article previously appeared in TechCrunch. Cram downs are back – and I’m keeping a list. At the turn of the century after the dotcom crash, startup valuations plummeted, burn rates were unsustainable, and startups were quickly running out of cash. Most existing investors...
Dustin Curtis
iPad in 2020
A couple of months ago, I switched entirely to an iPad Pro for about two weeks. I did not use my...
over a year ago
A couple of months ago, I switched entirely to an iPad Pro for about two weeks. I did not use my MacBook Pro at all, and forced myself to do everything on the iPad. After that experience, I planned to write some kind of review, but it turned out that my conclusions were pretty...
Noahpinion
The age of SASEA
South Asia and Southeast Asia are globalization's next frontier.
5 months ago
South Asia and Southeast Asia are globalization's next frontier.
Tom Blomfield
Five Unbreakable Rules for Startups
I’ve been involved with 4 startups over the last 10 years or so, 3 as a co-founder. I’m a follower...
over a year ago
I’ve been involved with 4 startups over the last 10 years or so, 3 as a co-founder. I’m a follower of Paul Graham and the YC camp of startup wisdom. There’s now a great deal of literature laying out the unbreakable rules for startups. Despite studying this literature, I’ve...
SatPost by Trung...
Jerry Seinfeld, Ichiro Suzuki and the Pursuit of Mastery
Notes from the 1987 Esquire magazine issue that inspired Jerry Seinfeld to "pursue mastery [because]...
7 months ago
Notes from the 1987 Esquire magazine issue that inspired Jerry Seinfeld to "pursue mastery [because] that will fulfill your life".
Blog posts of...
The unannounced updates to Facebook’s Social Plugins and how to use them!
Since the launch of platform, Facebook has the approach of shipping features early, very early. They...
over a year ago
Since the launch of platform, Facebook has the approach of shipping features early, very early. They ship first, ask later and doc...
Rest of World -...
How this mental health care app is using ChatGPT to improve its chatbot
Andrea Campos is the founder and CEO of Yana, a mental health care app and chatbot for Spanish and...
6 months ago
Andrea Campos is the founder and CEO of Yana, a mental health care app and chatbot for Spanish and English speakers.
Rest of World -...
An end of an era for Latin American tech
Foreign businesses are making strides in the region while local tech companies reshuffle.
a year ago
Foreign businesses are making strides in the region while local tech companies reshuffle.
Noahpinion
How Paul Krugman changed the public face of economics
He's a great economist, but he also changed how we talk about the subject.
a week ago
He's a great economist, but he also changed how we talk about the subject.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Best practices for raising a VC round
Having raised a number of VC rounds personally and observed many more as an investor or friend, I’ve...
over a year ago
Having raised a number of VC rounds personally and observed many more as an investor or friend, I’ve come to think there are a set of…
Noahpinion
Book Review: "The End of the World is Just the Beginning"
Peter Zeihan gives us his vision of the collapse of globalization.
a year ago
Peter Zeihan gives us his vision of the collapse of globalization.
Noahpinion
Skilled immigration is a national security priority
A joint blog post by Noah and Minn Kim on America's need for a national skilled immigration...
5 months ago
A joint blog post by Noah and Minn Kim on America's need for a national skilled immigration strategy.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
The importance of institutional redundancy
Every system built by a single institution has points of failure that can bring the entire system...
over a year ago
Every system built by a single institution has points of failure that can bring the entire system down. Even in organizations that have…
AVC
My Year-End Playlist
As usual, here are some songs that stuck with me this year. fredwilson · Backing It When No One...
over a year ago
As usual, here are some songs that stuck with me this year. fredwilson · Backing It When No One Believed I hope you enjoy it.
Roberto Vitillo's...
Scalability patterns of distributed systems
I have released a new chapter of Understanding Distributed Systems ! It explores the different...
over a year ago
I have released a new chapter of Understanding Distributed Systems ! It explores the different patterns at your disposal when designing…
Working Theorys
How to Do Business School Right | Theory No. 22
There’s an age-old debate about whether you should go to business school or not. It rarely comes up...
a year ago
There’s an age-old debate about whether you should go to business school or not. It rarely comes up these days but yes, I went to business school — arguably to the most business-school-y of business schools, Harvard Business School. Business school isn’t “popular” in modern...
Working Theorys
New Social App
Who am I? And other urgent existential questions.
8 months ago
Who am I? And other urgent existential questions.
Data Boutique
Using Historical Data: Basic Knowledge
Elements to consider when using historical data from web scraping
5 months ago
Elements to consider when using historical data from web scraping
Working Theorys
Zero-Sum vs. Positive-Sum Product Theory | Theory No. 25
What kind of product are you building?
11 months ago
What kind of product are you building?
Noahpinion
Yes, of course crime is way down
The people telling you crime isn't falling are feeding you a line.
5 months ago
The people telling you crime isn't falling are feeding you a line.
Noahpinion
Happy fun Cold War 2 update
It's getting a little warmer out there.
6 months ago
It's getting a little warmer out there.
Business Brainstorms
💡 Business Brainstorms 💡- My favorite ideas of the week
#1 💡 Lots of interesting discussions after Sam Altman got fired from OpenAI. One of the interesting...
a year ago
#1 💡 Lots of interesting discussions after Sam Altman got fired from OpenAI. One of the interesting themes: What does the guy actually do? Is he actually important for the company? Surely other people, the technicians, are responsible for the breakthroughs, right?
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Improbable: enabling the development of large-scale simulated worlds
Over the past decade, computing resources that were previously available only to large...
over a year ago
Over the past decade, computing resources that were previously available only to large organizations became available to almost anyone…
Internal Tech Emails
Steve Jobs negotiates Apple's deal with Microsoft
Greg, Here is a review of the terms we last discussed, as well as some issues I have encountered....
over a year ago
Greg, Here is a review of the terms we last discussed, as well as some issues I have encountered. Please ping me to let me know that you received this email.
Tom Blomfield
When to join a startup
Something has changed in the last few years which has made an increasing number of people want to...
over a year ago
Something has changed in the last few years which has made an increasing number of people want to join startups. It seemed to start around the time the Social Network movie came out - perhaps it’s just a coincidence, but part of me imagines a group of MBAs sitting around watching...
cdixon.org RSS Feed
The enterprise: buyers versus users
Why does most enterprise technology feel like it is a decade behind consumer technology? For the...
over a year ago
Why does most enterprise technology feel like it is a decade behind consumer technology? For the same reason our health care system is…
Noahpinion
At least five interesting things for the end of your week (#16)
Michael Lewis and SBF, how to win Cold War 2, American manufacturing, Target and shoplifting, and...
a year ago
Michael Lewis and SBF, how to win Cold War 2, American manufacturing, Target and shoplifting, and yet more on housing supply
Rest of World -...
Illegal gold mining influencers are tearing up the Amazon
Creators share tips on YouTube and TikTok to bring new miners into the fold and turn criminal...
a year ago
Creators share tips on YouTube and TikTok to bring new miners into the fold and turn criminal behavior into money-making content.
Nadia Asparouhova
Understanding science funding in tech, 2011-2021
For those who sit between science and tech, it’s hard not to notice the proliferation of new...
over a year ago
For those who sit between science and tech, it’s hard not to notice the proliferation of new initiatives launched in the last two years, aimed at making major improvements in the life sciences especially.
While I don’t have a science background, nor any personal relationship to...
Rest of World -...
Ultra-cheap meals from China’s delivery giant are hugely popular. Drivers are bearing the costs
Meituan’s group order program boomed amid China’s post-Covid-19 thrift economy, but delivery drivers...
6 months ago
Meituan’s group order program boomed amid China’s post-Covid-19 thrift economy, but delivery drivers say they’re working longer for less pay.
Noahpinion
At least five interesting things to start your week (#18)
Recession illusions, China's military buildup, industrial policy and wages, rethinking corporate...
a year ago
Recession illusions, China's military buildup, industrial policy and wages, rethinking corporate tax, tightening export controls, and an interview with Darrell Owens
Rest of World -...
How translator-influencers bring banned foreign videos onto China’s internet
On social media platform Weibo, influencers curate, translate, and edit content from the outside...
a year ago
On social media platform Weibo, influencers curate, translate, and edit content from the outside world.
Internal Tech Emails
"I just need to decide if we're going to buy Instagram"
We have this big issue right now because gaming is shifting from us to mobile platforms.
a year ago
We have this big issue right now because gaming is shifting from us to mobile platforms.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Coinbase
One of the interesting things about Bitcoin is the contrast between how it is portrayed in the press...
over a year ago
One of the interesting things about Bitcoin is the contrast between how it is portrayed in the press and how it is understood by…
Rest of World -...
Fake Russian influencers are going viral on Chinese social media
They are bolstered by growing pro-Russia, nationalist sentiment on the Chinese internet.
a year ago
They are bolstered by growing pro-Russia, nationalist sentiment on the Chinese internet.
Paul Graham: Essays
Chapter 2 of Ansi Common Lisp
a year ago
Essays - Benedict...
The VR winter continues
Meta has spent at least $50bn on VR and AR so far, but we’re still in the
VR winter: the devices...
5 months ago
Meta has spent at least $50bn on VR and AR so far, but we’re still in the
VR winter: the devices aren’t good enough or cheap enough and the user base
is flat. But no matter how good the devices get, how many people will care?
Blog posts of...
🇪🇺 Dear Europe, please wake up – eu/acc
Europe is special to me as I consider myself a proud European, but damn we need to talk. Europe...
7 months ago
Europe is special to me as I consider myself a proud European, but damn we need to talk. Europe please wake up.
Platformer
Meta doubles down on layoffs
The company's recent products have flopped with consumers. Will a more focused team reverse the...
a year ago
The company's recent products have flopped with consumers. Will a more focused team reverse the trend?
Rest of World -...
This app makes sure dinner is halal
The Indonesian app Momasa features recipes, cooking lessons, and restaurants that meet the standards...
2 months ago
The Indonesian app Momasa features recipes, cooking lessons, and restaurants that meet the standards of Islamic law.
Ed Zitron's Where's...
Bubble Trouble
As I previously warned, artificial intelligence companies are running out of data. A Wall Street...
8 months ago
As I previously warned, artificial intelligence companies are running out of data. A Wall Street Journal piece from this week has sounded the alarm that some believe AI models will run out of "high-quality text-based data" within the next two years in what an AI researcher called...
XO Capital - Field...
Our First Community Call
This week Danny jumped on a live Twitter Spaces with me. We talked about:
When to "quit"
XO...
10 months ago
This week Danny jumped on a live Twitter Spaces with me. We talked about:
When to "quit"
XO community, courses,
Motivations for picking a startup idea
Decision making differences between short holds and longer holds.
Rest of World -...
How Apple’s India gamble paid off
India’s growing middle class is fueling a billion-dollar sales surge.
5 months ago
India’s growing middle class is fueling a billion-dollar sales surge.
Rest of World -...
The Chinese founder who is betting on the Western appetite for short soaps
Mega Matrix and FlexTV want to succeed where Quibi has failed by embracing the allure of “so bad...
7 months ago
Mega Matrix and FlexTV want to succeed where Quibi has failed by embracing the allure of “so bad it’s good” shows.
Paul Graham: Essays
Why It's Safe for Founders to Be Nice
over a year ago
Rest of World -...
ShopeeFood underestimates delivery distances. Gig workers in Vietnam are paying the price
Rest of World reviewed nearly 50 orders on Vietnam’s second most popular food delivery app, and in...
9 months ago
Rest of World reviewed nearly 50 orders on Vietnam’s second most popular food delivery app, and in most cases, the distance was estimated lower than Google Maps’ estimate.
SatPost by Trung...
Travelogue: Central & Eastern Europe
17 thoughts from a trip to Munich, Prague, Budapest, Vienna and Dubrovnik
4 months ago
17 thoughts from a trip to Munich, Prague, Budapest, Vienna and Dubrovnik
Business Brainstorms
💡 Business Brainstorms 💡- My favorite ideas of the week
🙈 Copying doesn’t matter
a month ago
Rest of World -...
A traveler’s dream: Cash-free payment systems link up across Southeast Asia
From Bali to Bangkok, people are ditching cards for QR code payments. There’s a catch: For now, it’s...
a year ago
From Bali to Bangkok, people are ditching cards for QR code payments. There’s a catch: For now, it’s for locals only.
Inverted Passion
Notes on how Supercell is run
Supercell, the company behind the massively popular Clash of Clans game, has one of the highest...
a year ago
Supercell, the company behind the massively popular Clash of Clans game, has one of the highest valuation per employee figures out there: they’re valued at $32mn per employee. That’s insane! How do they do it? 1/ What struck me is the sheer number of games they kill each year?...
Internal Tech Emails
Mark Zuckerberg: Could Facebook move faster?
In China there is this strong culture of cloning things quickly and building lots of different...
over a year ago
In China there is this strong culture of cloning things quickly and building lots of different products instead of just focusing on one thing at a time. This allows them to plant lots of seeds, and although it yields lower quality products in the short term as they're cloning and...
Business Brainstorms
💡 Business Brainstorms 💡- My favorite ideas of the week
#1 💡 “By far the worst company to emulate in Startup Make-Believe is Google / Alphabet. Google has...
a year ago
#1 💡 “By far the worst company to emulate in Startup Make-Believe is Google / Alphabet. Google has a number of structural advantages stemming from its Search monopoly that mean that it’s able to be almost completely divorced from reality, and that has allowed it to grow in...
The Thinking Cap
Don't Major in Computer Science
Or put less provocatively: college students should probably explore more than they currently do
a year ago
Or put less provocatively: college students should probably explore more than they currently do
Noahpinion
How we'll know if Trump is going to sell America out to China
Keep an eye on the export controls. They are the key.
a week ago
Keep an eye on the export controls. They are the key.
Internal Tech Emails
Elon Musk and OpenAI
Guys, I've had enough. This is the final straw.
a month ago
Guys, I've had enough. This is the final straw.
Rest of World -...
What is this thing? Guess Temu’s weirdest gadgets
Chinese e-commerce site Temu uses its most bizarre products in online ads. Rest of World tested them...
a year ago
Chinese e-commerce site Temu uses its most bizarre products in online ads. Rest of World tested them so you don’t have to.
Working Theorys
Product vs. Production | Theory No. 9
HQ Trivia, TikTok Trivia, & the not-so-subtle art of creating compelling live media.
a year ago
HQ Trivia, TikTok Trivia, & the not-so-subtle art of creating compelling live media.
Rest of World -...
Microsoft is building a data center in a tiny Indian village. Locals allege it’s dumping industrial...
“These big companies think they can enter small villages like ours, take our land, and destroy it.”
4 months ago
“These big companies think they can enter small villages like ours, take our land, and destroy it.”
Blog posts of...
A model that’s mental
Maybe… This anxiety isn’t anxiety it’s just your raw excitement that you are misunderstanding. This...
over a year ago
Maybe… This anxiety isn’t anxiety it’s just your raw excitement that you are misunderstanding. This creeping imposter syndrome jus...
XO Capital - Field...
v2
XO V1 concluded with 10 acquisitions and 1 "fund".
The V1 "conclusion" is really a line in the sand...
8 months ago
XO V1 concluded with 10 acquisitions and 1 "fund".
The V1 "conclusion" is really a line in the sand but it feels right as we continue to offload assets to focus on larger deals using outside capital. This will transition us into v2 which we'
haseeb qureshi
DeFi in Eth2: Cities, suburbs, and farms
Ethereum today is incredibly congested—it’s even more congested now than it was during the height of...
over a year ago
Ethereum today is incredibly congested—it’s even more congested now than it was during the height of the ICO bubble.
This is impressive, but also worrying! Ethereum 2.0 is still a ways away, but the tiny island of Ethereum 1.0 is already populated to the point of...
David Perell
28 Pieces of Life Advice
In honor of my 28th birthday, here are 28 pieces of life advice.
The post 28 Pieces of Life Advice...
over a year ago
In honor of my 28th birthday, here are 28 pieces of life advice.
The post 28 Pieces of Life Advice appeared first on David Perell.
Rest of World -...
Stifled at home, Tunisian tech finds success in the West
Acquisitions of InstaDeep and Expensya, which focused on international customers, are inspiring...
a year ago
Acquisitions of InstaDeep and Expensya, which focused on international customers, are inspiring Tunisian entrepreneurs to look outside the country.
Tech + Economics +...
A few thoughts on the end of Omegle.
In 2009, Omegle was more than just a website to me; it was a lifeline when
I felt adrift and...
a year ago
In 2009, Omegle was more than just a website to me; it was a lifeline when
I felt adrift and isolated from any real sense of community or network. I
was struggling with depression, alcohol abuse and the recent end of my
music career and my life on tour.
Omegle's premise...
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Showing up
Mark Twain famously quipped that “80 percent of life is showing up.” Running a startup, I’d say it’s...
over a year ago
Mark Twain famously quipped that “80 percent of life is showing up.” Running a startup, I’d say it’s more like 90 percent. For example, I…
Tech + Economics +...
Copyright is both vital and obsolete.
The New Yorker: Is A.I. the Death of I.P.?
For you (probably) and me (definitely), the rights...
11 months ago
The New Yorker: Is A.I. the Death of I.P.?
For you (probably) and me (definitely), the rights to our creations are
not worth much money to anyone but ourselves. But, if you are the guy
who wrote “Born to Run,” it is prudent to assign your rights to an
entity...
Rest of World -...
How Bangladesh’s tech industry navigated an unprecedented political crisis
July’s internet blackout and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s sudden exit is estimated to have cost...
3 months ago
July’s internet blackout and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s sudden exit is estimated to have cost the industry $300 million.
Noahpinion
Putin is a rest stop on the road of post-Soviet collapse
The narrative of Russian revitalization is more hype than reality.
a year ago
The narrative of Russian revitalization is more hype than reality.
Rest of World -...
Nigerian tech workers are going remote, and pricing out locals in smaller cities
Tech workers are leaving Lagos and Abuja — the country’s economic and political hubs, and flocking...
a year ago
Tech workers are leaving Lagos and Abuja — the country’s economic and political hubs, and flocking to cities like Ibadan, Jos, Benin City, Uyo, and Osogbo.
Rest of World -...
Why Nigerian filmmakers are skipping Netflix to go straight to YouTube
Filmmakers say YouTube prevents piracy and is more accessible than Netflix, Prime Video, and...
a year ago
Filmmakers say YouTube prevents piracy and is more accessible than Netflix, Prime Video, and Showmax.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
A few points about the “tech bubble” debate
Pretty much every day now a major blog or newspaper writes an article asking whether we are...
over a year ago
Pretty much every day now a major blog or newspaper writes an article asking whether we are experiencing another tech bubble (e.g. see today…
Data Boutique
Stop Scraping H&M (And Other Things Live on Data Boutique)
Web Scraped Data Catalog June 2023
a year ago
Web Scraped Data Catalog June 2023
Dustin Curtis
One of the dumbest things I've ever published
While I was reading through some of my older essays the other day, I came across a piece called...
over a year ago
While I was reading through some of my older essays the other day, I came across a piece called Privacy vs. User Experience, published in 2014. In the article, I argued that Apple’s then-nascent philosophical stance on the supremacy of user privacy was going to slow down its...
David Perell
The Microwave Economy
America has become a Microwave Economy. We’ve overwhelmingly used our wealth to make the world...
over a year ago
America has become a Microwave Economy. We’ve overwhelmingly used our wealth to make the world cheaper instead of more beautiful, more functional instead of more meaningful.
The post The Microwave Economy appeared first on David Perell.
Stephen Diehl
The Simple English Argument Against Crypto
over a year ago
42!
Trusting third parties with our information
Photo by Sergiu Nista on Unsplash
We’ve noticed a disturbing trend here at our startup in the past...
a year ago
Photo by Sergiu Nista on Unsplash
We’ve noticed a disturbing trend here at our startup in the past 12 months or so. We’ve been growing and adding new team members, and almost without fail, almost all our new starters are getting hit with a scam email within a few days of...
Inverted Passion
How to increase wealth for everyone
I’ve started reading The Capitalist Manifesto, a book full of data on how free markets generate...
a year ago
I’ve started reading The Capitalist Manifesto, a book full of data on how free markets generate prosperity. The author is nuanced and uses data and logic to show how we should be rooting for capitalism (instead of bringing it down). Income and wealth inequality created as a...
Working Theorys
Thoughts For Sale
Mass-market intellectualism is an oxymoron, right? Ask Substack.
a month ago
Mass-market intellectualism is an oxymoron, right? Ask Substack.
Rest of World -...
This Chinese startup believes it can take augmented reality glasses mainstream
Peng Jin, co-founder and head of commercialization at AR glasses startup Nreal, discusses how his...
a year ago
Peng Jin, co-founder and head of commercialization at AR glasses startup Nreal, discusses how his product will revolutionize the display experience.
SatPost by Trung...
From Beatlemania to Taylor-mania
How the meteoric rise of The Beatles helps to explain Taylor Swift's "Eras" tour, on pace to be the...
a year ago
How the meteoric rise of The Beatles helps to explain Taylor Swift's "Eras" tour, on pace to be the first tour ever to gross $1B.
Steve Blank
Lean Meets Wicked Problems
This post previously appeared in Poets & Quants. I just spent a month and a half at Imperial College...
a year ago
This post previously appeared in Poets & Quants. I just spent a month and a half at Imperial College London co-teaching a “Wicked” Entrepreneurship class. In this case Wicked doesn’t mean morally evil, but refers to really complex problems, ones with multiple moving parts, where...
Rest of World -...
“Gig reviewers” are endorsing fake products for quick cash in Brazil
For a few dollars, paid reviewers will record a video vouching for anything. Scammers love them.
a year ago
For a few dollars, paid reviewers will record a video vouching for anything. Scammers love them.
Rest of World -...
The regional flavors of labor-on-demand
A new report digs into the social dynamics of gig work.
8 months ago
A new report digs into the social dynamics of gig work.
Paul Graham: Essays
The Anatomy of Determination
over a year ago
Rest of World -...
India’s electric cab companies can’t find enough cars to put on the road
There are only a handful of electric taxi manufacturers in India today, slowing the country’s EV...
2 months ago
There are only a handful of electric taxi manufacturers in India today, slowing the country’s EV revolution.
Internal Tech Emails
Mark Zuckerberg: "Please Resign"
This was an act of betrayal.
a year ago
This was an act of betrayal.
Platformer
In latest round of Twitter cuts, some see hints of its next CEO
Is the job Steve Davis' to lose? PLUS: A smart new tool to fight child exploitation online
a year ago
Is the job Steve Davis' to lose? PLUS: A smart new tool to fight child exploitation online
Internal Tech Emails
Instagram cofounder on Mark Zuckerberg
will he go into destroy mode if I say no
a year ago
will he go into destroy mode if I say no
XO Capital - Field...
How to 10x an acquisition
I'm going to break down how we more than 10x-ed ScreenshotAPI and why this acquisition worked when...
3 months ago
I'm going to break down how we more than 10x-ed ScreenshotAPI and why this acquisition worked when others didn't. Not everything here is generalizable, but I'll pull out what worked well from our first interactions with the seller to the deal closing a few
Rest of World -...
Portraits of gig workers in rare moments off the clock
Rest of World shadowed workers in São Paulo, Lagos, Dhaka, and Jakarta to get an intimate look at...
9 months ago
Rest of World shadowed workers in São Paulo, Lagos, Dhaka, and Jakarta to get an intimate look at how they spend their breaks between orders.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Pitching the VC partnership
The last step to raising venture capital is normally a 1 hour pitch to the whole partnership during...
over a year ago
The last step to raising venture capital is normally a 1 hour pitch to the whole partnership during their weekly monday meeting. This is…
Essays - Benedict...
Ads, privacy and confusion
Privacy is coming to the internet and cookies are going away. This is long
overdue - but we don’t...
over a year ago
Privacy is coming to the internet and cookies are going away. This is long
overdue - but we don’t know what happens next, we don’t have much consensus
on what online privacy actually means, and most of what’s on the table
conflicts fundamentally with competition.
Rest of World -...
As muggings spike, phone thieves in Brazil have an easy target: Gig workers
Losing a phone can devastate gig workers’ ability to make a living, while the apps they work for...
a year ago
Losing a phone can devastate gig workers’ ability to make a living, while the apps they work for provide little support.
Roberto Vitillo's...
What every developer should know about TCP
Why do you need to place your servers geographically close to your users? One of the reasons is to...
over a year ago
Why do you need to place your servers geographically close to your users? One of the reasons is to achieve lower latencies. That makes a lot…
tomcritchlow.com
How do You Cultivate Customer-Centric Executives?
summary
The answer is that the most successful companies have a key executive who is...
9 months ago
summary
The answer is that the most successful companies have a key executive who is customer-centric - someone who has a rich mental model for what customers want and is able to step into the customer's shoes.
I theorize that beyond a culture of being customer-centric it's the...
Working Theorys
Writers Block
What I learned from Version 1.0, plus Version 2.0 soon :)
6 months ago
What I learned from Version 1.0, plus Version 2.0 soon :)
Working Theorys
The Granny Hobby Protocol
And the hands-on, thumbs-off economy
8 months ago
And the hands-on, thumbs-off economy
Rest of World -...
What do platforms actually want out of elections?
Nobody seems to know.
a year ago
Noahpinion
A Nobel for the story of women in the workforce
How Claudia Goldin brought all the threads together.
a year ago
How Claudia Goldin brought all the threads together.
Rest of World -...
How Singapore became the ideal testing ground for self-driving cars
The tiny country has embraced autonomous vehicles as a way to overcome labor shortages and use its...
3 weeks ago
The tiny country has embraced autonomous vehicles as a way to overcome labor shortages and use its scarce land more efficiently.
David Perell
The Jerry Seinfeld Guide to Writing
Writing and editing should be separate activities. When I’m in this creation mode, I shoot for a...
over a year ago
Writing and editing should be separate activities. When I’m in this creation mode, I shoot for a flow state. I keep my fingertips on the keyboard and measure progress by how many words I put on the page. My physical environment helps me be generative too. If I’m sitting down at...
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Twelve months notice
Generally speaking, there are two approaches to relating to other people in the business world. The...
over a year ago
Generally speaking, there are two approaches to relating to other people in the business world. The first approach is transactional and…
Noahpinion
Will there be a Millennial Big Chill?
Millennials are finally doing OK economically. Will their politics moderate?
a year ago
Millennials are finally doing OK economically. Will their politics moderate?
Tom Blomfield
Startup Series Part 4: Deadlines
The question of deadlines is one of the most divisive issues in software development today....
over a year ago
The question of deadlines is one of the most divisive issues in software development today. Business-people despair at developers’ inability to meet goals, while developers lament the latest unachievable deadline imposed by their pointy-haired boss.
In practice, there is often a...
Rest of World -...
What it takes to raise a $300 million VC fund for Africa
Tidjane Deme talks about convincing investors to back Africa-focused tech funds amid a global...
8 months ago
Tidjane Deme talks about convincing investors to back Africa-focused tech funds amid a global funding slump.
Noahpinion
In which British writers scold America on trade
If you don't acknowledge the point of tariffs, how can you hope to criticize them?
7 months ago
If you don't acknowledge the point of tariffs, how can you hope to criticize them?
Rest of World -...
“Tornado beer” drinking stunts have made Pangzai a global king
The beloved rural Chinese influencer talks about finding fame, the health effects of all that beer,...
a year ago
The beloved rural Chinese influencer talks about finding fame, the health effects of all that beer, and what videos he wants to make next.
Aaron's Essays
VCs are Scared When They Should be Greedy
I originally wrote this essay for The Information, where it was published on July 6, 2022.
I've...
over a year ago
I originally wrote this essay for The Information, where it was published on July 6, 2022.
I've read a lot of the advice that venture capitalists have given founders on the current state of the markets. Most of that advice focuses on how founders need to adjust to survive the...
Stephen Diehl
Currency in the Age of Digitization
over a year ago
Data Boutique
Web Data Is A Commodity And Needs A Marketplace To Grow
The Advantages Of Central Markets
a year ago
The Advantages Of Central Markets
essay – snarfed.org
Moderate people, not code
Dixit / Marie Cardouat The scope of the fediverse has been hotly debated recently. Are we a big...
11 months ago
Dixit / Marie Cardouat The scope of the fediverse has been hotly debated recently. Are we a big fedi? Or a small fedi? Are instances just nodes? Or networked communities? Which Camp of Mastodon are we in? How far should our replies travel? How about our blog posts and Bluesky...
Noahpinion
A Nobel for the big big questions
Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson win a prize for their grand unified theory of development.
2 months ago
Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson win a prize for their grand unified theory of development.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Computers that can make commitments
Blockchains are computers that can make commitments. Traditional computers are ultimately controlled...
over a year ago
Blockchains are computers that can make commitments. Traditional computers are ultimately controlled by people, either directly in the case…
Rest of World -...
Bangladesh has millions of e-rickshaws. They’re finally becoming legal
Bangladesh’s EV industry will likely grow now, and drivers no longer have to worry about being fined...
5 months ago
Bangladesh’s EV industry will likely grow now, and drivers no longer have to worry about being fined or having their vehicles impounded.
Rest of World -...
The capybara influencer revolt
A wildlife influencer’s famous capybara was confiscated by Brazilian authorities. A mass movement...
a year ago
A wildlife influencer’s famous capybara was confiscated by Brazilian authorities. A mass movement ensued.
SatPost by Trung...
Birkenstock IPO: Is it worth $10B?
And 4 other questions about the 249-year cult German footwear brand.
a year ago
And 4 other questions about the 249-year cult German footwear brand.
Rest of World -...
Instagram account hacked? “Ethical hackers” will get it back
Meta’s account recovery process is so complicated that people are paying experts to do it for them.
a year ago
Meta’s account recovery process is so complicated that people are paying experts to do it for them.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
The problem with online “local” businesses
One of the most popular areas for startups today is “local.” I probably see a couple of business...
over a year ago
One of the most popular areas for startups today is “local.” I probably see a couple of business plans a week that involve local search…
cdixon.org RSS Feed
"It all blossomed out of this tiny little seed"
Steve Jobs in 1985: I felt it the first time when I visited a school. It was third and fourth...
over a year ago
Steve Jobs in 1985: I felt it the first time when I visited a school. It was third and fourth graders, and they had a whole classroom full…
Blog posts of...
Q-Codes; Or… Stop repeating yourself ⌨️
I use apple’s keyboard “text” shortcodes to setup a lot of things i have to type regularly. It’s...
over a year ago
I use apple’s keyboard “text” shortcodes to setup a lot of things i have to type regularly. It’s easily one of my favorite productivity hacks!
Noahpinion
At least five interesting things to start your week (#38)
WW2 production; "Neopopulism"; fake science; desire modification; deregulation ideas
6 months ago
WW2 production; "Neopopulism"; fake science; desire modification; deregulation ideas
Noahpinion
At least five interesting things for your weekend (#32)
The bridge disaster, Daniel Kahneman, Biden and nuclear power, ebbing unrest, Bay Area...
8 months ago
The bridge disaster, Daniel Kahneman, Biden and nuclear power, ebbing unrest, Bay Area "progressives", and cancer detection
Noahpinion
Europe's fate is in Germany's hands now
That's a scary thought, but not for the reason it used to be.
5 months ago
That's a scary thought, but not for the reason it used to be.
XO Capital - Field...
We 10x-ed screenshotapi.net and sold it
Before we jump in, I was on a pod talking through content, acquisitions, etc:
This exit is bitter...
3 months ago
Before we jump in, I was on a pod talking through content, acquisitions, etc:
This exit is bitter sweet. Screenshot was our first ever acquisition. We 10x-ed it, and it is really the reason XO exists today. If this first acquisition hadn't gone well, I think I would
Rest of World -...
Conservative evangelicals use social media to sway Brazil election
The popularity of evangelical content, which often amplifies criticisms of the ruling party, could...
5 months ago
The popularity of evangelical content, which often amplifies criticisms of the ruling party, could play an important role during October’s municipal elections.
Rest of World -...
Crime victims, ignored by Venezuela’s broken justice system, turn to influencers
To get the authorities’ attention, victims get help from influencers specialized in niches like...
a year ago
To get the authorities’ attention, victims get help from influencers specialized in niches like corruption and pet justice.
Rest of World -...
A local ride-hailing service can’t beat Uber and Bolt, so its drivers are beating up their rivals
Shesha was launched as a fair-minded local competitor to Western companies in South Africa. It has...
2 months ago
Shesha was launched as a fair-minded local competitor to Western companies in South Africa. It has acquired an ugly reputation for intimidating drivers and passengers.
Rest of World -...
The workers at the frontlines of the AI revolution
The global labor force of outsourced and contract workers are early adopters of generative AI — and...
a year ago
The global labor force of outsourced and contract workers are early adopters of generative AI — and the most at risk.
AVC
Subscribing To AVC
For many years, there were three ways to subscribe to AVC: 1/ Email – Get new posts delivered to...
a year ago
For many years, there were three ways to subscribe to AVC: 1/ Email – Get new posts delivered to your inbox 2/ RSS – Get new posts delivered to your RSS reader 3/ X – Follow AVC on X X revoked the API access that I was using to autopost three or four months ago. […]
Rest of World -...
Catching a break: How gig workers find rest
Rest of World asked over 100 gig workers across 10 cities how they take a break between tasks.
9 months ago
Rest of World asked over 100 gig workers across 10 cities how they take a break between tasks.
Working Theorys
The "High Potential" Handicap | Theory No. 20
"Smart" kids are always praised for their high potential. They’re deemed inherently capable of so...
a year ago
"Smart" kids are always praised for their high potential. They’re deemed inherently capable of so much, largely because of their natural talents. They can do anything they want, if they just try.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Non-linearity of technology adoption
When I was in business school I remember a class where a partner from a big consulting firm was...
over a year ago
When I was in business school I remember a class where a partner from a big consulting firm was talking about how they had done extensive…
Rest of World -...
Desperate taxi drivers in Argentina are finally joining Uber
Amid the country’s economic turmoil, thousands of cabbies turn to the Uber Taxi function to make...
a year ago
Amid the country’s economic turmoil, thousands of cabbies turn to the Uber Taxi function to make ends meet.
Paul Graham: Essays
Is There Such a Thing as Good Taste?
over a year ago
AVC
The Blackbird Platform
The first project launched this week on our portfolio company Blackbird‘s platform. It is a friends...
a year ago
The first project launched this week on our portfolio company Blackbird‘s platform. It is a friends and family program at a restaurant in Williamsburg Brooklyn called Gertie. Blackbird wrote about it today on their excellent Supersonic blog: Throughout, when you tap Gertie’s...
Platformer
Four questions platforms should answer before launching AI features
PLUS: Musk gets his view count back up
a year ago
PLUS: Musk gets his view count back up
Steve Blank
What’s Plan B? – The Small, the Agile, and the Many
This post previously appeared in the Proceedings of the Naval Institute. One of the most audacious...
over a year ago
This post previously appeared in the Proceedings of the Naval Institute. One of the most audacious and bold manifestos for the future of Naval innovation has just been posted by the Rear Admiral who heads up the Office of Naval Research. It may be the hedge we need to deter China...
Rest of World -...
How Tesla’s Mexico plans stalled out
When the Monterrey factory finally arrives, will Elon still want it?
6 months ago
When the Monterrey factory finally arrives, will Elon still want it?
Rest of World -...
In Nigeria, government and local VCs are helping startups weather the tech downturn
Sensing an existential threat to the country's tech scene, the government and local VCs are filling...
a year ago
Sensing an existential threat to the country's tech scene, the government and local VCs are filling the expanding funding gap.
Data Boutique
Case Study: MatchesFashion Inventory Outflows
Web data for market insights
9 months ago
Web data for market insights
Noahpinion
At least five interesting things for the middle of your week (#14)
Commercial real estate doom, education polarization vs. racial polarization, China's dodgy GDP...
a year ago
Commercial real estate doom, education polarization vs. racial polarization, China's dodgy GDP numbers, phonics, and Russian nationalism
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Keybase: bringing public-key cryptography to mainstream users
Today I’m excited to announce that a16z is leading a $10.8M Series A financing of Keybase, a company...
over a year ago
Today I’m excited to announce that a16z is leading a $10.8M Series A financing of Keybase, a company that is trying to make the internet…
Tech + Economics +...
The eternal victimhood of the right-wing mind.
The right-wing has become obsessed with what they term the 'Victimhood
Olympics.' Conservative...
a year ago
The right-wing has become obsessed with what they term the 'Victimhood
Olympics.' Conservative politicians and pundits have made a cottage
industry out of the idea that progressives indulge in a competitive display
of grievances, vying for the spotlight of sympathy and the...
Rest of World -...
Sam Altman’s India comments spark a heated backlash
The OpenAI CEO’s dismissal of an Indian competitor launched a debate over the country’s tech...
a year ago
The OpenAI CEO’s dismissal of an Indian competitor launched a debate over the country’s tech capabilities.
Rest of World -...
The tech executive who believes AI needs more voice-based learning systems
Bayo Adekanmbi explains why voice-based learning is the best way to increase AI adoption across...
9 months ago
Bayo Adekanmbi explains why voice-based learning is the best way to increase AI adoption across Africa.
SatPost by Trung...
Coca-Cola: "A cure for all nervous affections"
How cocaine, the "patent medicine" industry and mass advertising created the world's most iconic...
a year ago
How cocaine, the "patent medicine" industry and mass advertising created the world's most iconic beverage.
Tom Blomfield
Taking Risk
I just spent a week talking with some exceptional students from three of the UK’s top universities;...
7 months ago
I just spent a week talking with some exceptional students from three of the UK’s top universities; Cambridge, Oxford and Imperial College. Along with UCL, these British universities represent 4 of the top 10 universities in the world. The US - a country with 5x more people and...
Rest of World -...
The company building AI dubbing that preserves original voices
Seamus McAteer, the founder of Speechlab, discusses AI-generated speech and the importance of...
a year ago
Seamus McAteer, the founder of Speechlab, discusses AI-generated speech and the importance of translating accents.
Noahpinion
At least five interesting things for the middle of your week (#12)
The college shakeout, China vs. its developing neighbors, Chinese zombie companies, more fun YIMBY...
a year ago
The college shakeout, China vs. its developing neighbors, Chinese zombie companies, more fun YIMBY stuff, and the victory of the Melting Pot
Working Theorys
How to Be Like Derek Guy
If you spend any time on Twitter, you know the handle @dieworkwear by heart. And you know it’s the...
6 months ago
If you spend any time on Twitter, you know the handle @dieworkwear by heart. And you know it’s the handle of Derek Guy, menswear expert extraordinaire. (I’m still unsure if that’s his real name, but I haven’t bothered to look it up because at this point I trust him implicitly.) I...
Business Brainstorms
Daily briefing AI, Hello Fresh but better, building in a cave, postcard lead gen, controllable input...
Hey, In this issue: idea for an AI-powered Gmail extension to streamline your digital life, private...
a year ago
Hey, In this issue: idea for an AI-powered Gmail extension to streamline your digital life, private prep cooks as a service, startup concepts inspired by Y Combinator data, prompt for SEO optimized articles. Plus, founder insights on the power of focus and advertising channels....
Noahpinion
At least five interesting things to start your week (#25)
Maternal mortality, "living paycheck to paycheck", media negativity, diffusion of the tech industry,...
11 months ago
Maternal mortality, "living paycheck to paycheck", media negativity, diffusion of the tech industry, and the effect of corporate tax cuts
Stephen Diehl
The Internet's Casino Boats
over a year ago
Noahpinion
If Trump loses the election, our nation can finally rest
Let's not bring back the wacky 2010s.
a month ago
Let's not bring back the wacky 2010s.
SatPost by Trung...
Subsea Internet Cables are a Miracle
PLUS: Apple's Monopoly, Monster Beverage, Asian Work Culture, WarnerBros vs. Harry Potter.
9 months ago
PLUS: Apple's Monopoly, Monster Beverage, Asian Work Culture, WarnerBros vs. Harry Potter.
Rest of World -...
Xiaohongshu has revolutionized Chinese tourism in Southeast Asia
The lifestyle and social media platform, often compared to Instagram, is turning obscure sites into...
2 months ago
The lifestyle and social media platform, often compared to Instagram, is turning obscure sites into must-see attractions.
Noahpinion
Will Elon Musk kill Substack?
The fragmentation of the internet gets a push.
a year ago
The fragmentation of the internet gets a push.
Noahpinion
China at the peak
The country's rise is complete, but don't expect a rapid decline.
a year ago
The country's rise is complete, but don't expect a rapid decline.
Internal Tech Emails
Steve Jobs on iPhone design
This may be our answer - we could put the number pad around our clickwheel.
10 months ago
This may be our answer - we could put the number pad around our clickwheel.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Competition is overrated
Your #1 competitor starting out will always be the BACK button, nothing else. – Garry Tan Suppose...
over a year ago
Your #1 competitor starting out will always be the BACK button, nothing else. – Garry Tan Suppose you have an idea for a startup, and then…
Rest of World -...
Turn it up: Rest of World’s 2023 global party playlist
Impress your friends by queuing up these chart-topping pop songs from the countries we cover.
a year ago
Impress your friends by queuing up these chart-topping pop songs from the countries we cover.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Samsung’s predicament
In the past year, Samsung went from being a moderately successful electronics manufacturer to the...
over a year ago
In the past year, Samsung went from being a moderately successful electronics manufacturer to the leading non-iOS mobile device maker…
Steve Blank
How Saboteurs Threaten Innovation–and What to Do About It
“Only the Paranoid Survive” Andy Grove – Intel CEO 1987-1998 I just had an urgent “can we meet...
2 months ago
“Only the Paranoid Survive” Andy Grove – Intel CEO 1987-1998 I just had an urgent “can we meet today?” coffee with Rohan, an ex-student. His three-year-old startup had been slapped with a notice of patent infringement from a Fortune 500 company. “My lawyers said defending this...
Tom Blomfield
Unit Economics
The old joke describes a lot of companies at the moment - “I’ll sell at a loss but make it up on...
over a year ago
The old joke describes a lot of companies at the moment - “I’ll sell at a loss but make it up on volume.” Pilloried in the press, startups burn through vast sums of capital before spectacularly imploding.
Let’s go back to 2012-13. The world was finally emerging from a punishing...
Rest of World -...
At home with Asia’s shopping influencers
In Vietnam, Pakistan, and Indonesia, three livestreamers build well-paid but precarious careers.
a year ago
In Vietnam, Pakistan, and Indonesia, three livestreamers build well-paid but precarious careers.
Steve Blank
Mapping the Unknown – The Ten Steps to Map Any Industry
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step Lǎozi 老子 I just had lunch with Shenwei, one...
over a year ago
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step Lǎozi 老子 I just had lunch with Shenwei, one of my ex-students who had just taken a job in a mid-sized consulting firm. After a bit of catching up I offered he was looking a bit lost. “I just got handed a project to […]
Noahpinion
Maximum Canada is happening
Canada has a nation-building population strategy. Does America?
a year ago
Canada has a nation-building population strategy. Does America?
Data Boutique
How Data Boutique Works #1: Data Auctions
The data auction system explained
9 months ago
The data auction system explained
Data Boutique
The Hard Economics of Selling Web Data
Market components to consider when selling pre-scraped datasets
a year ago
Market components to consider when selling pre-scraped datasets
Rest of World -...
It’s not (just) Ticketmaster’s fault
A Mexican superstar’s concert tour proves no ticketing company’s tech is a match for fans and fraud.
a year ago
A Mexican superstar’s concert tour proves no ticketing company’s tech is a match for fans and fraud.
Roberto Vitillo's...
Spark best practices
Spark execution model Spark's simplicity makes it all too easy to ignore its execution model, and...
over a year ago
Spark execution model Spark's simplicity makes it all too easy to ignore its execution model, and still manage to write jobs that eventually…
Noahpinion
California needs real math education, not gimmicks
A guest post by Armand Domalewski.
a year ago
A guest post by Armand Domalewski.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
News is a lousy business for Google too
There is a widespread myth that search engines have taken profits away from news websites. A few...
over a year ago
There is a widespread myth that search engines have taken profits away from news websites. A few months ago, Rupert Murdoch said: “Google…
Rest of World -...
OpenAI cuts its last and most important link to China
A milestone in the militarization of AI.
5 months ago
A milestone in the militarization of AI.
Rest of World -...
How AI shook the world in 2023
With commercial tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney becoming widely available, AI was used for all...
11 months ago
With commercial tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney becoming widely available, AI was used for all things wonderful … and worrying.
Rest of World -...
India’s ambitious lithium dreams have stalled
Last year, India touted the discovery of a huge reserve of valuable lithium in Kashmir. Experts say...
a month ago
Last year, India touted the discovery of a huge reserve of valuable lithium in Kashmir. Experts say optimism around the discovery was overblown.
David Perell
Coolest Things I Learned in 2020
This is a collection of the most popular ideas I shared in 2020.
The post Coolest Things I Learned...
over a year ago
This is a collection of the most popular ideas I shared in 2020.
The post Coolest Things I Learned in 2020 appeared first on David Perell.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Outsource things you don’t care about
A fundamental principle of business is that you do things in house that you think can give you a...
over a year ago
A fundamental principle of business is that you do things in house that you think can give you a competitive advantage and outsource things…
Roberto Vitillo's...
Testing and operating distributed systems
I am excited to announce that the first edition of my book about distributed systems is finally...
over a year ago
I am excited to announce that the first edition of my book about distributed systems is finally complete! First things first, I have…
Rest of World -...
China’s EV giant BYD is picking up speed in Jordan
How Jordan became a battleground for Chinese EVs.
a year ago
How Jordan became a battleground for Chinese EVs.
Folklore.org:...
Joining Apple Computer
Reflections on the 40th anniversary of my joining Apple
a year ago
Reflections on the 40th anniversary of my joining Apple
Rest of World -...
A Ponzi scheme targets desperate workers amid Zimbabwe’s employment crisis
E-Creator offered an opportunity to earn money by writing fake reviews for e-commerce websites.
a year ago
E-Creator offered an opportunity to earn money by writing fake reviews for e-commerce websites.
The Thinking Cap
Your Platform Is as Strong as Its Identity Layer
Analyzing platforms through a layered cake of identity, social networking, and super apps.
over a year ago
Analyzing platforms through a layered cake of identity, social networking, and super apps.
Noahpinion
Toward a shallower future
Adversity isn't worth the price of adversity.
11 months ago
Adversity isn't worth the price of adversity.
Blog posts of...
Joining hypergrowth startups 😬
I am writing this for a friend joining an early-stage breakout startup (year 2; $200M+ valuation). I...
over a year ago
I am writing this for a friend joining an early-stage breakout startup (year 2; $200M+ valuation). I wrote it as bullet points as...
Platformer
Can Snap snap back?
At its annual summit, the company gets bullish on AI — but feels haunted by the ghost of its past...
a year ago
At its annual summit, the company gets bullish on AI — but feels haunted by the ghost of its past ambitions
Rest of World -...
Apple finally breaks Android’s grip on Southeast Asia
Rising wealth in the region has young professionals ditching cheaper Chinese smartphones for...
a year ago
Rising wealth in the region has young professionals ditching cheaper Chinese smartphones for iPhones.
Nothing Human
Metrics, Cowardice, and Mistrust
why we need better ideologies than "data driven decision making"
a year ago
why we need better ideologies than "data driven decision making"
Working Theorys
Angel Investing | Theory No. 28
A 5-year reflection & predictions on the practice of writing small checks into early-stage startups.
11 months ago
A 5-year reflection & predictions on the practice of writing small checks into early-stage startups.
Rest of World -...
Virtual tomb-sweeping keeps a Chinese tradition alive
As Chinese migrants struggle to return home for traditional tomb-sweeping, virtual platforms are...
2 months ago
As Chinese migrants struggle to return home for traditional tomb-sweeping, virtual platforms are helping them pay respects from afar.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
SEO is no longer a viable marketing strategy for startups
Many of the today’s most successful informational sites such as Yelp, Wikipedia and TripAdvisor...
over a year ago
Many of the today’s most successful informational sites such as Yelp, Wikipedia and TripAdvisor relied heavily on SEO for their initial…
SatPost by Trung...
Second Winds
Why are so many famous YouTubers quitting? A legendary essay by Václav Havel — a Czech playwright...
10 months ago
Why are so many famous YouTubers quitting? A legendary essay by Václav Havel — a Czech playwright and former President — helps to explain this trend.
Rest of World -...
Nigeria’s dating app for people who want to stop dating and get hitched already
What started out as a matchmaking WhatsApp group has turned into a popular dating app with over 2.1...
a year ago
What started out as a matchmaking WhatsApp group has turned into a popular dating app with over 2.1 million recorded matches and 44 marriages.
Rest of World -...
Global gig worker slang, explained
Shapar and amagundane are two types of platform workers their peers can’t stand.
a year ago
Shapar and amagundane are two types of platform workers their peers can’t stand.
Platformer
Substack's new fundraising pitch
Venture capitalists wouldn't give the company the terms it wanted. Its writers might
a year ago
Venture capitalists wouldn't give the company the terms it wanted. Its writers might
Rest of World -...
Rebel or sellout? How Nigeria’s startup darling became tech minister
Bosun Tijani was a rock star in the Nigerian startup scene, but his transition to government has...
11 months ago
Bosun Tijani was a rock star in the Nigerian startup scene, but his transition to government has been controversial.
Rest of World -...
Indonesia’s e-bike shops are building their own batteries
Battery-pack builders chase maximum range, despite safety risks.
9 months ago
Battery-pack builders chase maximum range, despite safety risks.
Internal Tech Emails
Sam Altman emails Elon Musk
The mission would be to create the first general Al and use it for individual empowerment—ie, the...
9 months ago
The mission would be to create the first general Al and use it for individual empowerment—ie, the distributed version of the future that seems the safest.
Data Boutique
What's New on Data Boutique
Noteworthy stuff from the web data platform
11 months ago
Noteworthy stuff from the web data platform
Platformer
Meta unspools Threads
Instagram chief Adam Mosseri on the company's big new swing at Twitter
a year ago
Instagram chief Adam Mosseri on the company's big new swing at Twitter
Steve Blank
What Does Product Market Fit Sound Like? This.
I got a call from an ex-student asking me “how do you know when you found product market fit?”...
2 months ago
I got a call from an ex-student asking me “how do you know when you found product market fit?” There’s been lots of words written about it, but no actual recordings of the moment. I remembered I had saved this 90 second, 26 year-old audio file because this is when I knew we had...
Ed Zitron's Where's...
Never Forgive Them
In the last year, I’ve spent about 200,000 words on a kind of personal journey where I’ve tried...
6 days ago
In the last year, I’ve spent about 200,000 words on a kind of personal journey where I’ve tried again and again to work out why everything digital feels so broken, and why it seems to keep getting worse, despite what tech’s “brightest&
Ed Zitron's Where's...
We're Watching Facebook Die
In the first quarter of 2024, Meta made $36.45 billion dollars - $12.37 billion dollars of which was...
6 months ago
In the first quarter of 2024, Meta made $36.45 billion dollars - $12.37 billion dollars of which was pure profit. Though the company no longer reports daily active users, it now uses another metric: “family daily active people.” This number refers to “registered and logged-in
Noahpinion
How China's "debt traps" actually work
Raiding the Global South like a piggy bank.
a year ago
Raiding the Global South like a piggy bank.
Working Theorys
Before the Crowd Shows Up
The arena rewards those who arrive early.
9 months ago
The arena rewards those who arrive early.
Rest of World -...
23 Rest of World stories that defined 2023
This year, Rest of World published around 500 articles from more than 50 countries. Here are our...
12 months ago
This year, Rest of World published around 500 articles from more than 50 countries. Here are our favorites.
Rest of World -...
The SoftBank-backed fintech that helped Nigerians through a cash crisis is eyeing “innovative...
Olu Akanmu, co-CEO and president of OPay Nigeria, on the importance of cloud infrastructure and the...
a year ago
Olu Akanmu, co-CEO and president of OPay Nigeria, on the importance of cloud infrastructure and the company’s future plans.
Devmoh
Why did Meta open-source Llama 2?
Meta seems to be all in on open-source AI. They released Llama 2, which features some impressive...
a year ago
Meta seems to be all in on open-source AI. They released Llama 2, which features some impressive benchmarks compared to other open source language models. Why does Meta keep releasing open-source models? What is their incentive? To attract and retain top AI talent.
Rest of World -...
These women fell in love with an AI-voiced chatbot. Then it died
An AI-voiced virtual lover called users every morning. Its shutdown left them heartbroken.
a year ago
An AI-voiced virtual lover called users every morning. Its shutdown left them heartbroken.
Internal Tech Emails
Apple exec on App Store complaints
In the end it all really comes down to whether we will ever open up the iPhone for developers to...
a year ago
In the end it all really comes down to whether we will ever open up the iPhone for developers to distribute apps on their own, bypassing our store.
cdixon.org RSS Feed
What if online business model innovation is slowing down?
There is a widely held assumption that new business models will continue to emerge online – that...
over a year ago
There is a widely held assumption that new business models will continue to emerge online – that statements like “how will Twitter ever make…
Noahpinion
Why has U.S. manufacturing productivity stagnated for over a decade?
A few hypotheses about a very disturbing trend.
5 months ago
A few hypotheses about a very disturbing trend.
tomcritchlow.com
Notes on my Remarkable Tablet
I love my Remarkable 2. I’ve been using it pretty heavily for almost a year now. It’s my every day...
10 months ago
I love my Remarkable 2. I’ve been using it pretty heavily for almost a year now. It’s my every day companion device. Here’s some notes and ideas.
Blog posts of...
Everyone is doing 1on1s wrong. I think.
Our calendars are packed with meetings. We communicate mostly in 1on1on1on1 trains. Nobody is happy....
a year ago
Our calendars are packed with meetings. We communicate mostly in 1on1on1on1 trains. Nobody is happy. Nothing gets done. Can we fix this?
cdixon.org RSS Feed
Vanity milestones
Eric Ries uses the phrase “vanity metrics” to refer to metrics that founders cite to demonstrate...
over a year ago
Eric Ries uses the phrase “vanity metrics” to refer to metrics that founders cite to demonstrate progress but that are actually false…
Tech + Economics +...
20 years of tech has made life easier, not better.
Lately, I’ve felt nostalgic for the cluttered aisles of the local video
store. It was more than a...
a year ago
Lately, I’ve felt nostalgic for the cluttered aisles of the local video
store. It was more than a place; it was a portal, a weekend ritual that
promised adventure, laughter, and the thrill of discovery. You would step
inside, greeted by the scent of popcorn and the soft...
Rest of World -...
PETA is building robot elephants for Hindu temples
For centuries, elephants have been captured to live in temples. Animal rights groups say replacing...
2 months ago
For centuries, elephants have been captured to live in temples. Animal rights groups say replacing them with robots will minimize animal cruelty and risks to humans.
Rest of World -...
Mexican shoppers say Shein and Temu’s delivery partner is stealing their stuff
Former employees at third-party logistics company J&T Express say the high volume of packages from...
3 months ago
Former employees at third-party logistics company J&T Express say the high volume of packages from the two Chinese companies has become unmanageable.
Blog posts of...
Managing Remote Teams - A Crash Course
Hey folks, I haven’t been blogging for quite some time, so everything is a bit rusty for me, but i...
over a year ago
Hey folks, I haven’t been blogging for quite some time, so everything is a bit rusty for me, but i thought this article might be u...
Raw Thought (from...
Fix the machine, not the person
over a year ago
Rest of World -...
Why IBM employees in Brazil are suing to be classified as tech workers
Unions in two Brazilian states are suing IBM in an effort to be recognized as tech employees, giving...
8 months ago
Unions in two Brazilian states are suing IBM in an effort to be recognized as tech employees, giving them access to better wages, benefits, and profit participation.
Nothing Human
Against Positive-Sum Thinking
why conflict is necessary
a year ago
why conflict is necessary
Rest of World -...
Breaking down the world’s tariffs against China’s tech industry
President-elect Donald Trump pledges to escalate the trade war, but non-Western nations have...
3 weeks ago
President-elect Donald Trump pledges to escalate the trade war, but non-Western nations have targeted China with tariffs, too.
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