michellebrous's Profile

Great post, Natalie! Netflix has created a model around data-driven decision making that is unparalleled. However, I wonder about the long-term sustainability of Netflix or how much longer Netflix can pursue the original-content strategy as their key differentiating factor from other streaming services. The media business is hit-driven and Netflix has been able to de-risk this by leveraging user behavior and preference data as you discussed in your post. But, not all Netflix shows are well received by viewers and these content investments can quickly add up. At the same time, we’re also seeing Amazon win more and more content deals (e.g., NFL) to the point where the Prime Video library is almost as competitive as Netflix’s offering. Is there a way for Netflix to leverage its data insights to continue to innovate beyond content?

Great, post Julia! I wonder if there’s any information around testing accuracy for NGS. When it comes to genetic testing in criminal justice situations, the chances of DNA contamination are quite high. Has Clear Labs released any information around this? I also wonder how proprietary their technology and data really are. What is their patent strategy? I get the sense that anyone familiar with the application of NGS in other verticals could easily start testing food samples and build their own food database.

Cool post! I wonder if things would have turned out differently for Theranos hadm they not promised investors they would bring their own testing technology to market. It seems like the real play here was amassing a database of blood test samples and giving it predictive accuracy using the forces of machine learning. I tend to think the company could have taken a different path if they focused more on the software and analytics behind testing vs. promising an integrated hardware test / software experience upfront.

Great post, Lulu! I’m a Glossier customer and am in awe of how the company has been able to use its loyal readership to fuel its product development. What are your thoughts on trying to incorporate too much customer feedback into product development? Where do you draw the line? Many customers provide conflicting feedback and sometimes it can be difficult for products (especially in beauty) to do get everything done in one formula. Glossier prides itself in simplifying skincare, but at the same time, some of their products fall short on quality (i.e., Milky Jelly doesn’t remove waterproof mascara, generationG is hybrid lipstick/tint that doesn’t really give you the best lip coverage).

Thanks for the post, Ali! I’m curious about your thoughts on the health services testing side of the business. Medical professionals are hesitant about serious health advice being delivered over the internet/not in person. They feel that there is a certain and more delicate way in which humans should be advised on their ongoing and future health. The 23andMe health test reveals predisposition to some pretty serious diseases — and this information is probably best delivered by a doctor, in-person. Do you think 23andMe has a role in ensuring medical diagnoses are delivered in a sound way (i.e., in person and from a medical professional that is trained in these interpersonal dynamics)?

Great post and an interesting space! As law enforcement and sensitive government information becomes digitized, I’m curious to know what Mark43 has done to ensure that clients’ confidential information remains secure. Security breaches could pose a significant threat to police departments adopting the service.

Great post! When people talk media disruption, they usually don’t touch on movie theaters first. While your suggestion to focus on “digital delivery” platform for films would be ideal for consumers, I think this would be difficult to achieve as movie theaters and film studios do all they can to defend the lucrative distribution moat the current film ecosystem has put in place. An alternative innovative approach could be to incorporate cutting edge technology into theaters — perhaps some AR/VR hardware and content initiatives? Would love to hear what you think.

Great post! I am a loyal Sephora VIB and did not know about some of these tech-enabled value-add services. While some seem more frivolous than others, it is really exciting to see a retailer with such a massive physical presence embracing the digital world. My question relates to brand/product disaggregation — some modern beauty brands have built a cult following by going direct to consumer (mostly online) or by establishing a viral social media presence (e.g., Glossier). How do you think Sephora will fare as beauty brands have additional channels to market and sell directly to their customers?