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 fast-paced world of startups, the concept of the unicorn has long captured the imagination. These mythical creatures represent the rare and extraordinary success stories that every entrepreneur aspires to achieve. But what if there was another way? What if we could build startups that are not only diverse and practical but also accountable to the people they claim to serve? This is where the idea of the Zebra comes in.

At Zebras Unite, we have long been admirers of Meetup, a company that exemplifies the principles of a Zebra. Meetup sits at the intersection of for-profit and for-purpose, believing in the good of humanity, the power of bringing people together, and the serendipity that occurs when passionate individuals align. We share these values and believe that genuine diversity in the startup world can only be achieved by rethinking how startups operate, how they are funded, and who they are built for.

So, what would we do with Meetup? Our vision is to transform it into a platform that truly belongs to the community. We would implement an "exit to community" model, where organizers and individual members have a say in shaping the pricing structure and are rewarded for the paid use of the platform through dividends. This way, the community has a direct stake in the success of Meetup and can actively contribute to its growth and sustainability.

Another key aspect of our vision is to pioneer a democratic model of data ownership. Instead of users paying with their data for the free use of services, we would build features that allow users to get paid for their data and have control over who they lease it to. This approach shifts the power dynamics and ensures that individuals have agency over their own data, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment.

Lastly, we believe in building for the community by building on it. Meetup has already established itself as a platform for bringing people together, but we see it as so much more. It has the potential to be a platform that builds collective power, where communities can collaborate, share resources, and work towards common goals. By leveraging the existing infrastructure and user base of Meetup, we can create a truly transformative experience for all those involved.

While our vision for Meetup is ambitious, it is not without precedent. We have seen other platforms, like Instagram and Twitter, make significant changes to adapt to the evolving needs of their users. For instance, Twitter's decision to share revenue with creators from ads that appear in replies to their threads is a step towards recognizing the value that individuals bring to the platform. Similarly, Instagram's potential testing of a "pay for verification" feature demonstrates a willingness to explore alternative monetization strategies.

In the broader landscape of social apps, we are witnessing a shift towards subscription-based models. Traditionally reliant on ads, these platforms are now exploring new avenues for generating revenue. Snapchat's announcement of 2 million users for Snapchat+ and the introduction of subscriptions for Twitter Blue highlight this trend. As the ad market becomes more uncertain, social apps are diversifying their revenue streams to ensure sustainability.

Beyond social apps, media companies are also enforcing paywalls to monetize their content. Netflix's potential plan to crack down on password sharing is indicative of this trend. While it may be met with resistance from users, it underscores the need for companies to find ways to generate income and protect their intellectual property.

Moreover, the rise of "super premium" subscription models challenges the traditional pricing norms of subscription apps. As consumer platforms face cuts in ad spend, they are looking for alternative ways to generate revenue. By offering higher price points with additional features, these companies are catering to a niche market that values exclusivity and enhanced experiences.

In conclusion, the concept of a Zebra startup offers a refreshing alternative to the winner-take-all fantasy of the unicorn. Meetup, with its existing foundation and community, has the potential to embrace the principles of a Zebra and become a platform that truly serves the people. Through an "exit to community" model, a democratic approach to data ownership, and a focus on building on the community, Meetup can redefine the startup landscape.

Three actionable pieces of advice we would offer to achieve this vision are:

1. Foster community engagement: Actively involve organizers and individual members in shaping the future of Meetup. Seek their input and feedback to create a sense of ownership and ensure that the platform meets their needs.

2. Embrace data transparency and user control: Develop features that allow users to understand and control their data. Implement mechanisms that enable users to monetize their data and choose who they share it with, empowering them to take charge of their digital footprint.

3. Collaborate with other platforms: Explore partnerships and collaborations with other like-minded platforms to amplify the impact of Meetup. By leveraging the strengths and user bases of complementary platforms, Meetup can create a more powerful and interconnected ecosystem for community building.

In the end, the rise of Zebras is not about overshadowing the unicorns but rather providing a more inclusive and sustainable approach to entrepreneurship. Meetup has the potential to be a shining example of what a Zebra company can achieve, and with the right vision and execution, it can rise from the ashes of the unicorn's fall. Let us embrace the power of community, accountability, and diversity to build a better future for startups and the people they serve.