Growth Ritual #5
📋 IN THIS ISSUE: Beyond Chatting: The Next Frontier for AI ✨ Remix, Not Over-Engineering ✨ Next Big App: Building the Future, One App at a Time 🐘
🎙️ AUDIO DEEP DIVE OF THIS ISSUE:
Sammy & Mila offer in-depth analysis on each newsletter issue. Subscribe to their podcast on Spotify or any other podcast platform.
📱 NEXT BIG APPS:
Beyond Chatting: The Next Frontier for AI
ChatGPT has shattered user acquisition records, amassing one million users in just five days – a pace unmatched by any other product, including Instagram's relatively swift 76 days. Other highly-touted competitors pale in comparison.
While the graph below illustrates ChatGPT's meteoric rise to two million users, it also suggests a potential plateau. This rapid growth and subsequent leveling off signal a need for new directions.
Olivia Moore, an a16z partner specializing in end-user products, emphasizes the necessity of expanding AI beyond chat functionalities.
She proposes exploring roles such as therapist, language teacher, career coach, and research partner.
The breakneck speed of AI development is transforming the landscape. Yesterday's groundbreaking innovations may already seem outdated.
🧙♂️ TIPS & TRICKS:
Remix, Not Over-Engineering
A recent survey of companies integrating artificial intelligence into their operations revealed a striking trend: a substantial 72% are prioritizing model adaptation, or “fine-tuning”, over original development.
This pragmatic approach echoes the sentiment expressed by the iconic Steve Jobs: “Good artists copy; great artists steal”
Such a perspective suggests that innovation often stems from building upon existing foundations rather than starting from scratch.
The documentary “Everything is a Remix” provides a compelling framework for understanding this phenomenon.
It argues that human creativity is intrinsically linked to the process of remixing — of taking existing elements and reconfiguring them into novel forms.
This challenges the notion that groundbreaking ideas emerge solely from original thought, suggesting instead that innovation thrives on transformation and adaptation.
Given this context, the pursuit of technological self-sufficiency may be misguided. Rather than expending resources on reinventing the wheel, organizations should consider adopting a “Tech Merchant” mentality as I mention on Issue #3.
In essence, the future belongs to those who can adeptly navigate the landscape of existing technologies, identifying opportunities for innovation through remixing and adaptation.
Next Big App: Building the Future, One App at a Time 🐘
Back in February, I embarked on a new adventure – founding Next Big App, a company dedicated to fostering the next generation of mobile applications.
It's been a whirlwind journey filled with both exciting breakthroughs and the inevitable challenges of building something from the ground up.
Early Progress, Ongoing Momentum
Despite the initial setbacks — hearing more “no's” than “yes's” from investors can be tough — we've made significant progress in two short months. We've:
Tested product-market fit with a live app.
Completed a prototype and begun development on another app.
Finalized wireframes and user flows for two additional apps, moving on to UI/UX design.
Partnered with five app studios (both international and domestic) to boost user growth and revenue for their existing apps.
Held over 50 investor meetings while building momentum with potential partners.
Building the Brand
The Next Big App identity reflects our values and ambitions. Thanks to the incredible work of Alper Balkanlı, who truly captured our vision. We have a cohesive brand that you can learn more about through our branding story.
A Website Coming Soon
Our current website (nextbig.app) serves as a placeholder, but we have a much more dynamic vision in mind. If you're a 3D animation website designer, we'd love to hear from you!
What We Do
Next Big App operates in two primary ways:
Partner Model: We collaborate with talented app development studios to build high-quality, AI-focused mobile apps. We bring the idea, design, business model, pricing, marketing, and advertising budget, while you leverage your development expertise. We then share the generated revenue.
Growth Model: Have an existing app that needs a global user base or revenue boost? We've helped over 50 apps achieve significant growth, with some experiencing monthly income increases from $50,000 to $300,000. Let's work together to take your app to the next level.
Community Building for the Future
Our long-term vision is to create a thriving community. We want to connect innovative products with early adopters, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
We're eager to collaborate with individuals and businesses on any of our models. Reach out through our website form or social media channels – let's discuss what we can achieve together!
This is just the beginning of the Next Big App story. Stay tuned for future updates, and please wish us luck!
💡 INSPIRING IDEAS:
“Start Small, Think Big”
-Seth Godin