The Next Chapter of Readwise: Our Own Reading App

The Next Chapter of Readwise: Our Own Reading App

In today's fast-paced world, where technology has disrupted traditional publishing and distribution models, the experience of reading remains largely unchanged. We spend hours reading books, only to forget most of what we've learned. Why doesn't software help us retain and apply the knowledge we gain from reading? This is the question that Readwise seeks to answer.

Readwise is on a mission to improve the practice of reading through software by an order of magnitude. To achieve this, they have built their own fully-integrated reading app. The decision to create their own reading app was driven by the demand from their users. They recognized that while there have been advancements in reading technology, such as Kindle and Pocket, these were primarily focused on content distribution rather than advancing the practice of reading itself.

Retention is a key focus for Readwise. They believe that if you want to get more out of reading, you first need to forget less. Their reading app is built on a local-first foundation, enabling fast and comprehensive search of your entire library of books, articles, annotations, and highlights. This means that you can easily find and reference any information you need, even offline.

Another challenge that Readwise addresses is content overload. In today's digital age, we save more things than we can actually consume. Our inboxes are overflowing, turning our digital gardens into digital graveyards. Readwise tackles this issue by emphasizing the importance of highlighting. Highlighting is a core feature of their reading app, unlike other reading apps where it is often neglected or treated as an afterthought. Readwise believes that the best way to read between the lines is to write between the lines, encouraging users to actively engage with the text and make meaningful connections.

It's worth noting that Readwise is not attempting to make reading a social activity or create an internet-scale annotation layer. Their focus is on providing a powerful reading tool for individuals, rather than building a social network around reading. By honing in on the needs of individual readers, Readwise can deliver a more tailored and effective reading experience.

The story of Readwise is complemented by the journey of Roelof Botha, one of the most powerful people in venture capital. Botha's success can be attributed to his ability to stay focused on his goals. When he started at Sequoia 19 years ago, he would write the number 109 on the corner of his notepad every week, representing his private goal of achieving $1 billion in total gains. This unwavering focus allowed him to make exceptional investments and achieve remarkable success.

Botha's long-term vision is evident in his approach to investing. When he led the deal with YouTube, he prioritized setting the company up for long-term success rather than focusing on a quick win. He understood the importance of delayed gratification and the value of making choices that would benefit the company in the long run. This approach paid off, as YouTube went on to become one of the first unicorns and a major success story.

Botha's ability to take risks and learn from failures is another key factor in his success. He acknowledges that not every investment will be a home run, but he embraces the opportunity to try again. This resilience and willingness to learn from disappointments is what sets him apart as a top-tier venture capitalist.

In addition to his investment prowess, Botha is known for his polymathic approach. He invests across various sectors, including consumer, enterprise, and healthcare. This breadth of knowledge allows him to see opportunities and make connections that others may overlook. Being a polymath is a common trait among successful individuals, as it enables them to bring diverse perspectives to problem-solving and make innovative connections.

Botha's style as a venture capitalist is understated and focused on what's best for the companies he invests in. He prioritizes the long-term success and growth of the companies, even when they go public. He believes that there is always room for innovation and improvement, and he is committed to supporting the companies he invests in throughout their journey.

In conclusion, Readwise's own reading app and Roelof Botha's venture capital success story share common themes of focus, long-term vision, and resilience. Botha's ability to stick to his goals and make calculated investments aligns with Readwise's mission to improve the practice of reading through software. Three actionable pieces of advice that can be derived from these stories are:

• 1. Focus on your goals: Define what you want to achieve and stay committed to it, even in the face of distractions or setbacks.

• 2. Embrace delayed gratification: Understand that long-term success often requires making choices that may not provide immediate rewards. Be patient and willing to invest in the future.

• 3. Learn from failures and try again: Failure is a natural part of any journey. Instead of letting it discourage you, use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Be willing to take risks and try again.

By incorporating these principles into your own life and work, you can enhance your reading experience and achieve greater success in your endeavors. Remember, reading is not just about pleasure; it's about expanding knowledge, improving skills, and internalizing valuable information for personal and professional growth.