Valley Nordic

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We discuss the evolution of remote work and its pros and cons. Furthermore, we pontificate on potential changes in society if everyone works remotely. 

Useful link:

History of remote work

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We discuss the purpose of packaging in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and how it might change with the direct-to-consumer (D2C) business model. The discussion is based on Chander's blogpost on the subject.

Useful link:

Changing P in CPG: Packaging In The Direct-To-Consumer World 

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We discuss the reasons why companies do M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) and review the recent acquisitions in the tech space. Also, we talk about the M&A scene in 2020 vs 2019 and themes of 2020 acquisitions. Following are the acquisitions we analyze: 

1. Facebook buying Giphy 

2. Microsoft buying Affirmed Networks, Softmotive, and Metaswitch Networks

3. Apple buying NextVR 

4. Zoom buying Keybase 

5. Intel buying Moovit 

6. Verizon buying BlueJeans 

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We discuss how to think about Fintech, what segments startups are targeting within Fintech, and how we see Fintech changing in future. Also, new business models in insurance and banking. 

Useful links:

1. Ayden - Most highly valued European startup

2. Credit card payments

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We share our views on Quibi, a new streaming service designed for people on the go to watch professionally produced original videos on mobile phones. The assumptions behind Quibi and what mistakes Quibi is making in execution.

Useful links:

1. Quibi

2. Differences between Silicon Valley and Hollywood

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We are very excited to have Kjell Håkan Närfelt, Chief Strategy Officer, at Vinnova, a Swedish government agency focused on building and funding nationwide innovation ecosystems. Chander and Kjell Häkan talk about incubators, science parks, exit focused venture capital vs dividend based capital. We also discuss the common mistakes early stage startups make.

Arne will be back next week.

Useful links:

1. Kjell Häkan on LinkedIn

2. Vinnova

3. United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development

4. Kjell Håkan's presentation on Vinnova and Swedish Innovation Ecosystem

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We discuss how technology is being used to end the coronavirus pandemic. We look at the tech in two categories 1) Cure - respirators, ventilators, and treatment 2) Prevention - vaccines, testing, and tracking. Furthemore, we explain how the new Apple/Google initiative works for contact tracing.


Useful Links

1. Open Source ventilator projects

2. Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)

3. Norwegian contact tracing app

4. Coronavirus growth rate tracking in the US by state.

5. Vaccines and treatments in development

6. Apple/Google contact tracing announcement

7. CRISPR Gene Editing for Coronavirus testing


 

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Arne is back on the podcast. We discuss analysis vs. synthesis, linear thinking vs. systems thinking, parts vs. systems and what are the types of complex systems. We explore a new way of looking at the world and how systems thinking can be applied to startups and investing. Chander tried to make it a box-free episode but Arne found a way to sneak in his boxes.

Useful links:

1. Systems Thinking

2. Complex Systems

3. New England Complex Systems Institute 

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We have a very special guest, Andrew Sherrard, on this episode. Andrew is a former Chief Marketing Officer at T-Mobile US where he managed $1B+ in marketing budget and drove $16B in annual revenue. His un-carrier marketing strategy changed how wireless services are sold in the US. Andrew shares his insights on concept testing, positioning, naming, branding, pricing, advertising agencies, and other marketing topics that are useful for startups.

Arne will be back next week.

Correction: Edgewell tried to buy Harry's Razor and not Unilever/P&G. Sorry.

Useful links:

1. Andrew on Twitter

2. Andrew on LinkedIn

3. Andrew's recommended marketing book

4. Un-Carrier strategy

5. Chander's blogposts on marketing 

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We discuss the education and EdTech segments. Why things have not changed in decades after multiple attempts in bringing technology to education? We also share some examples of successes and failures in education and EdTech.

Useful Links

1. Global learning landscape 

2. Microverse