Unveiling the Power of Hidden Networks: From Slow Networks to Visual Lens

Unveiling the Power of Hidden Networks: From Slow Networks to Visual Lens

Introduction:
In the world of startups and network effects, there are hidden networks that don't immediately appear to have strong network effects. These networks may not receive immediate attention or face competition, giving founders more time and space to build their product and networks. Three types of hidden networks include slow networks, unfinished networks, and throttled networks. Additionally, Pinterest's computer vision technology, Visual Lens, is revolutionizing visual discovery and personalization. By understanding these hidden networks and the potential of computer vision, we can unlock hidden advantages and drive innovation.

Slow Networks: The Power of Patience and Sustainability
Slow networks are characterized by a time delay between when the network is created and when it starts to show value. One example is Lambda School, which takes years to reveal the true value of its network. The advantage of slow networks is their difficulty to displace once built, as seen with top universities' enduring network effects. Identifying a slow network and having the patience and resources to let it come to fruition is crucial.

Unfinished Networks: Unlocking Potential Through Completion
Unfinished networks occur when a product feature or strategic decision leaves the network temporarily incomplete. OpenTable is an example of an unfinished network that eventually completed its network effects by offering suggestions of other objects from the same era to users who pinned a specific item. The challenge lies in successfully completing the network, as many companies fail to do so. Understanding the difficulty of completion and the presence of emergent behavior on the incomplete side of the network is key.

Throttled Networks: Unmasking Hidden Strengths
Throttled networks arise when a product feature or strategic decision limits the size or engagement of the network, concealing the true strength of network effects. Chief, a professional network for women, is an example of a throttled network that may unlock its value through increased opportunities to engage, pricing that rises with network value, or a deeper membership pool. Exclusivity-based networks often have an upper limit to their network effects. Identifying constraints and assessing the potential if those constraints were relaxed can reveal a throttled network.

Latent Networks: Building Communities for Future Product Success
Latent networks are built by first creating a community that acts like a network, with users interacting and creating value for each other. Eventually, a product is introduced that amplifies the network's engagement. Savvy game developers employ this strategy by setting up Discord servers before launching a game. Differentiating between a latent network and an audience is essential, as an audience derives value from the central node rather than the network itself. Examining engagement levels and additional value gained when new members join the community helps identify latent networks.

Pinterest's Visual Lens: The Power of Computer Vision
Pinterest's computer vision technology, Visual Lens, tackles various challenges in visual discovery. It identifies visual similarities, categorizes and curates content, predicts engagement, prioritizes local taste, and goes beyond images by analyzing captions and virtual board associations. Visual Lens combines Pinterest's understanding of images and objects with its discovery technologies to offer diverse results. By bridging real-world camera images to the Pinterest taste graph, Lens is a unique visual discovery tool.

Conclusion:
Hidden networks and computer vision technology offer untapped potential for startups and innovation. Understanding the power of slow, unfinished, throttled, and latent networks allows founders, investors, and employees to capitalize on hidden advantages. Pinterest's Visual Lens demonstrates the transformative impact of computer vision in visual discovery and personalization. To leverage these insights, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Identify hidden networks: Look for networks with slow growth, unfinished components, or throttled potential. These networks often provide opportunities for sustainable and defensible growth.
2. Assess completion potential: Evaluate the difficulty of completing a network and the presence of emergent behavior. Completing a network can unlock its true network effects.
3. Understand latent networks: Differentiate between communities and audiences. Focus on building engaged networks that create value for users beyond the central node.

By embracing hidden networks and harnessing the power of computer vision, we can unlock new possibilities, drive innovation, and create meaningful connections in various industries.