Podcast Summary
This podcast features a conversation with Ben Rubin, CEO and co-founder of Here Not There Labs, and Jason Rosenthal from A16Z crypto’s CSX startup accelerator program. The discussion revolves around Rubin’s journey from architecture to digital space architecture, the creation of successful apps like Meerkat and Houseparty, and his current project, River and Towns. The podcast also delves into the evolution of internet communities, the importance of creating a product that becomes a topic of conversation, and strategies for appealing to non-crypto users.
Key Takeaways
From Architecture to Digital Space Architecture
- Ben Rubin’s Journey: Rubin transitioned from architecture school to digital space architecture, leading to over 12 years of experience in the field and the creation of successful apps like Meerkat and Houseparty.
- Missed Opportunities: Rubin reflects on the sale of Houseparty to Epic Games and the missed opportunity to pivot the app for remote work during the pandemic.
Creating Meaningful Products
- Product-Market Fit: Rubin emphasizes the importance of creating a product that becomes a topic of conversation at a customer’s dinner table, using this as a measure of product-market fit and impact.
- User Experience: Rubin shares a personal obsession with ensuring a frictionless user experience by viewing each design element within the context of the entire storyboard.
Impact of Twitter’s Decision on Meerkat
- Twitter’s Actions: The podcast discusses Meerkat’s rise as the first consumer live streaming video product and its integration with Twitter, which provided instant viewer engagement until Twitter pulled the graph API due to competition.
- Pivot to Houseparty: The Meerkat team pivoted to Houseparty after Twitter’s actions, focusing on smaller group interactions and creating a more intimate atmosphere compared to the public broadcast model of Meerkat.
Empowering Internet Communities
- Decentralized Messaging Protocol: Rubin’s current project focuses on developing River and Towns, a decentralized messaging protocol and client for communication, aiming to empower users with more control and meaningful interactions.
- Reversing Polarity: The podcast touches on the evolution of internet communities and the current model where platforms like Discord or Facebook groups capture the value created by community creators, with “hear not there” aiming to reverse this polarity.
Go-to-Market Strategies for “Hear Not There”
- Target Audience: Ben discusses go-to-market strategies for “hear not there,” focusing on the target audience of moderators and admins, and the benefits of owning their spaces and transparent solicitation of contributions.
- Appealing to Non-Crypto Users: The conversation includes strategies for appealing to non-crypto users by focusing on practical benefits like safety and monetization, rather than decentralization and ownership.
Sentiment Analysis
- Bullish: The podcast exhibits a bullish sentiment towards the potential of decentralized messaging protocols and the empowerment of internet communities. Rubin’s enthusiasm for his current project, River and Towns, and his belief in the value of creating meaningful products that resonate with users, contribute to this positive outlook.
- Neutral: A neutral sentiment is observed in the discussion of Rubin’s journey and the missed opportunities with Houseparty. While Rubin reflects on these experiences, he does not express regret or negativity, instead focusing on the lessons learned and the potential for future ventures.
