"Meetup to the People: How a Zebra could Rise from a Unicorn’s Fall"

"Meetup to the People: How a Zebra could Rise from a Unicorn’s Fall"

In the world of startups, the term "unicorn" has become synonymous with success. These are the companies that achieve astronomical valuations and dominate their industries. But what if there was another way? What if we could build startups that are not only practical and accountable but also diverse and focused on serving the people they claim to help? This is where the concept of a "zebra" comes in.

At Zebras Unite, we have long admired Meetup as an example of a zebra company. Meetup sits at the intersection of for-profit and for-purpose, embodying a belief in the good of humanity and a commitment to bringing people together. It is a platform that fosters serendipity and allows passionate individuals to align and create something meaningful.

We believe that true diversity cannot be achieved through more diversity programs in traditional companies. It requires a fundamental rethinking of how startups operate, how they are funded, and who they are built for. Meetup has the potential to be a catalyst for this change.

One idea we propose is to transform Meetup into a community-owned platform. Organizers and individual members would have a say in shaping the pricing structure and would be rewarded for the paid use of the platform through dividends. This would create a sense of ownership and accountability among the users, fostering a true community-driven ecosystem.

Another area where Meetup could pioneer is in the realm of data ownership. Currently, users often pay for free services with their personal data. We envision a model where users have control over their data and can choose to lease it to selected parties, effectively getting paid for their data. This would shift the power dynamic and give users agency over their own information.

Finally, we believe that Meetup should build on the community it has created. The platform has the potential to be more than just a tool for organizing events. It could become a hub for collective power, where users can collaborate, share resources, and amplify their impact. By building on the existing community, Meetup can tap into the collective wisdom and potential for change that lies within its user base.

Now, let's shift gears and discuss another interesting topic: newsletters. While newsletters are not a new concept, they have experienced a resurgence in recent years. What's particularly fascinating is the rise of paid newsletters. It seems that people are more willing to pay for a tangible value like an email than they are for a web page.

Substack, a platform that simplifies the process of publishing and charging for newsletters, has played a significant role in this trend. By handling the technical aspects of publishing, payment processing, and membership management, Substack has made it easier for writers to monetize their content.

But Substack is more than just a tool. It has the potential to be a network in its own right. As Chris Dixon theorizes, users may come for the tool but stay for the network. Substack has the opportunity to drive recommendations and discovery, becoming a hub for readers to find high-quality content. However, as the platform fills up with more writers, the dynamics change. The question then becomes, "What happens when there is more stuff on your platform than anyone can look at?"

This question is crucial for Substack's future. Will it remain a tool or evolve into a network? Can users easily take their audience elsewhere, or is the platform paying writers for their content? These considerations will define Substack's identity and determine its long-term success.

In conclusion, both Meetup and Substack represent unique opportunities for building startups that prioritize community and accountability. By transitioning Meetup into a community-owned platform and exploring new models of data ownership, we can create a more inclusive and equitable ecosystem. Likewise, Substack's ability to facilitate paid newsletters and foster a network of writers and readers presents exciting possibilities for the future of media.

Three actionable pieces of advice that emerge from these discussions are:

1. Embrace community ownership: Consider ways to involve users in shaping the pricing structure and reward them for their contributions. This sense of ownership will create a more engaged and committed community.

2. Prioritize data ownership: Explore models that allow users to have control over their data and the ability to monetize it. This shift in power dynamics will empower individuals and foster a more equitable exchange of value.

3. Build on the existing community: Look for opportunities to expand the platform's capabilities beyond its initial purpose. By leveraging the collective power of the community, you can create a more impactful and sustainable ecosystem.

In the end, the rise of zebras and the resurgence of paid newsletters demonstrate a growing desire for startups that prioritize the needs of the people they serve. By embracing these principles and exploring new models of ownership and collaboration, we can build a more inclusive and sustainable future for startups and media alike.