categories
HOT TOPICS
- The Accelerator Conundrum
- The Startup Velocity Question
- Platform as a Service
- Man and Superman
- Web 3.0 = (4C + P + VS)
- The Future: End of Capitalism
- Capitalism 2.0
Web 3.0 & Group Travel: Groople CEO Mike Stacy (Part 1)
We have talked a lot about Web 3.0 and Context. Today, we begin an interview series with Mike Stacy, CEO of an Online Travel company called Groople, which has zeroed in on the context of Group Travel. It’s a very interesting niche, and we will explore Mike’s story of building Groople. SM: Please describe your
Cracking the Online Video Monetization Nut: Adap.tv CEO Amir Ashkenazi (Part 8)
Here I challenge Amir some more on the business strategy. Technology is wonderful, but are they solving the right business problem? Just because I am looking at a car chase in a movie segment doesn’t mean I am ready to jump and buy a BMW. There is little relevance. On the other hand, if I
Cracking the Online Video Monetization Nut: Adap.tv CEO Amir Ashkenazi (Part 7)
We continue our discussion about the technical and strategic implementation of the Adapt.tv technology. The core behind it is a learning system which is fed data from contextual matching as well as inputs from user interaction with ads. Over time, this produces an optimized ad campaign for video-content providers, addressing a validated market need. SM:
Venture Capital for MicroFinance: Chris Brookfield (Part 8)
To conclude the interview, I ask about Africa. The general political instability has created an environment which makes it difficult for microfinance investments. However, you have to wonder if some socio-economic stability would not provide increased political stability? A vicious cycle exists, but can it not be concerted into more of a virtuous cycle? SM:
Cracking the Online Video Monetization Nut: Adap.tv CEO Amir Ashkenazi (Part 6)
Next Amir describes the environment and concepts behind the founding of Adapt.tv. Having the seed money himself from his previous exit, he was able to move forward aggressively to seize a piece of an emerging market. This is a key element for entrepreneurs who are able to repeatedly experience success and is right in line
Venture Capital for MicroFinance: Chris Brookfield (Part 7)
Chris earlier brought up Compartamos, an MFI currently operating in Mexico. It seems they have a solid customer base and a very profitable business strategy – further proof of the validity of cash-positive microfinance business models. SM: How many loans does Compartamos have ath the moment? CB: I think they have about 600,000 customers. I
Cracking the Online Video Monetization Nut: Adap.tv CEO Amir Ashkenazi (Part 5)
Amir benefited from a very nice exit from Shopping.com when it was acquired by EBay for $630 million. Here he discusses that, which sets us up for his next (and current) venture at Adapt.tv. SM: Which companies survived the bubble? AA: Shopzilla, PriceGrabber, MySimon was acquired by CNet, NextTag is still active and private. SM:
Venture Capital for MicroFinance: Chris Brookfield (Part 6)
Microfinance opportunities are growing throughout the world. The availability of data to support the microfinance trend is available from various sources. Depending on the location of the MFI, the cost of delivering the loan can be very low. SM: Can you cite that type of data? That is exactly the type of data you need,