My marketing department has put me in the predictions business with this. Not bad for the plane before the door closed. On the year ahead theme, let’s go 1 level deeper.
The base:
1. In 2011, information proliferation will only accelerate. Entrepreneurs with vision for how to make sense of all that information for either consumers or businesses will prosper.
One level deeper:
1a. Entrepreneurs with technological vision will add to information overload by generating cool information that no one can really use. They will struggle.
1b. The overwhelming number of information related products and applications will focus on the time-rich/cash-poor instead of the cash-rich/time-poor because the former is larger, more easily marketed to and… if it goes viral, it could be huge.
1c. Entrepreneurs with clear customer vision for how information can be packaged and efficiently sold to users who can make immediate and impactful decisions with said information will be welcomed at Chrysalis Ventures. Even if other VC’s have told them the market isn’t big enough, their technology is not proprietary, or their business model is not disruptive enough. I want Santa to bring me niche-focused, information centric investment opportunities.
2. By this time next year, your channel guide at home will still stink despite Netflix, GoogleTV, etc but help is coming.
3. Next year, Christmas shopping with your credit or debit card will be safer and more secure.
4. In 2011, applying for financial aid for college will actually resemble the quick, digital experience you would expect it to be.
Happy Holidays!