Kyle Larkin's Profile

Do you think that AI / ML will be utilized to evolve the in-store shopping experience or remain an at home experiential feature? Since IKEA shopping on location is such an experience – how do they keep it fresh without infringing on their traditional value proposition?

Definitely a field that needs more automation as the services are so cost prohibitive for people that really need them.

Definitely one of the best uses of AI / ML IMO. They are able to capture an individuals tastes while still delivering the spontaneity that comes with the traditional radio experience. How do you think they manage as audio products (podcasts, etc.) become more and more niche? Is there a way for other big tech companies to replicate the platform experience?

Thanks Tim! I’m curious as to how you feel about more sports moving away from human officials to more automated solutions like this?

Fascinating space! How does this big data help them lobby for additional legalization on a state-by-state basis?

Facebooks APIs are superior to most other social networks for partner reporting / big data. Do you think this influences there user base dramatically and contributes to the cycle?

Great post! Do you see DoorDash expanding outside of the Food Delivery business in the future? Is there an opportunity for them to scale the model for other “jobs to be done.” There have been rumblings in the industry that gig economy driven delivery services may adopt more of a “task rabbit” like approach – but it does not seem like any of the big food players have made a move yet.

Thanks, Marcos!

Question for you on the scalability aspect. As you said the model depends on therapy / availability of therapists. Is this an indictment on the the platform or on the industry itself? Do you think that BetterHelp could change the narrative around effective treatment methods for mental health – outside of just therapy? Are there other services that they could provide and get in front of the masses that could revolutionize the industries practices overall – not just their delivery?

My good friend Alex works for Open Door. It’s been fascinating to hear about their development! They are really changing the model for residential real estate – one that you can envision being scalable to other parts of the real estate industry.

Grocery is a very interesting sector right now. It is one where scale has certainly positioned large chains to invest in digital. Small, town center grocery stories did not have the need to invest in this infrastructure and could still compete. When the pandemic hit, it was too late – but did proximity to people’s homes actually save them?

It’s very interesting to see how Drizly has evolved and navigated the “3 Tier” system in alcohol beverage distribution. I was in sales in the industry when these type of platforms emerged. They initially struggled from a lack of scale, as most of the retail accounts who agreed to partner with them were small bottle shops with limited inventory. Customers weren’t pleased with the selection, service, or increased pricing. Big suppliers had to work hand in hand with Drizly to help them reach a critical mass where the value proposition was enticing enough to customers to actually utilize the platform. I think they were just reaching that point when the pandemic hit.

Very interesting to see how a consumer goods company leveraged digital. So many have been slow to adapt, relying on slotting fees for in store placement in big box retailers. Like Nike, Lulu has been able to develop itself into an experience / lifestyle v. just an apparel company. Such a positioning is easier to leverage digitally and makes products stickier when they shift to e-commerce driven sales.