Articles
Data-backed commentary on market gaps, unsolved problems, and builder opportunities.
Why Apple's New Pass Designer Might Matter More for Your Business Than You Think
When Apple ships a new developer tool, the obvious take is usually wrong. Pass Designer looks like a simple utility, but our data suggests it could address some of the most painful operational problems in retail and hospitality. Here's what builders should know.
12 Years Later, Are Musicians Still Battling the Same Business Demons?
Pieter Levels' 2012 master's thesis on technology and the music industry was prescient about production democratization. But new market data shows the pain has shifted from creation to business survival. Independent artists now grapple with capital, marketing, and administrative burdens—opening fresh opportunities for builders.
You Don't Own Your Digital Movies, and That's a Problem Builders Can Solve
When Sony removed purchased movies from users' libraries without refund, it validated a growing pain point: digital purchases aren't owned. Our data tracks this problem across entertainment, with an opportunity for builders to create consumer-friendly ownership models.
The Dry Social Scene Needs More Than Just Bars Without Booze
Pieter Levels thinks non-alcohol socializing is the next big thing. He's probably right about demand. But our data reveals that hospitality venues are drowning in operational issues—thin margins, scheduling chaos, pest control. The real opportunity isn't just opening a dry bar; it's building the tools that make those venues viable.
Empty Seats Are a Symptom, Not the Problem
Empty Screenings is a clever tool for finding private movie screenings. But the real opportunity lies upstream: indie entertainers need capital and marketing to fill those seats. Here's what builders can tackle instead.