"The Year Of The Decacorn: 2021 Shatters Records For Number Of New Startups Valued At $10B+" and "Stephen King's (350M+ copies sold) 3 Secrets To Great Writing"

"The Year Of The Decacorn: 2021 Shatters Records For Number Of New Startups Valued At $10B+" and "Stephen King's (350M+ copies sold) 3 Secrets To Great Writing"

In 2021, the world witnessed a remarkable surge in the number of startups reaching a valuation of $10 billion or more. Referred to as "decacorns," these startups have seen immense success and have shattered records. Since the first private $10 billion valuation in 2007, a total of 84 decacorns have emerged. Out of these, 33 have already exited the market, leaving behind 51 still reigning supreme on the Crunchbase Unicorn Board.

What makes 2021 stand out is the rapid increase in the number of newly valued decacorns. According to Crunchbase data, 30 companies have achieved this milestone in 2021 alone. This is a significant jump from the previous year, which saw only 15 new decacorns, and a massive leap from 2019's five new entrants. It is astonishing to think that it has only been 14 years since Facebook became the first decacorn with a $15 billion valuation in 2007, thanks to a strategic investment from Microsoft.

Following Facebook's groundbreaking success, it took two more years for Alibaba to join the decacorn club in 2009. From then on, there was a lull in newly valued $10 billion companies until 2014. However, the landscape has changed dramatically since then, with the Crunchbase Unicorn Board recently surpassing 1,000 companies for the first time.

While the rise of decacorns highlights the impressive growth and potential of startups, it also brings attention to the world of great writing. Stephen King, one of the most successful authors with over 350 million copies of his books sold, has shared three secrets to achieving greatness in writing.

King emphasizes the importance of writing about things that make the writer come alive. He believes that great writers never write about things they don't enjoy, solely for the sake of an audience. Instead, they delve into subjects that personally captivate them, resulting in writing that resonates universally. This concept aligns with Carl R. Rogers' belief that "what is most personal is most universal."

Passion plays a crucial role in the writing process. Marc Cuban, entrepreneur and investor, believes that being passionate about a subject is what leads to exceptional results. He states that while he is passionate about many things, he found himself excelling in areas where he consistently put in effort. This highlights the importance of dedicating time and energy to the subjects we are truly passionate about.

Furthermore, King's secrets to great writing align with the concept of the Lindy Effect, which applies to our passions as well. The Lindy Effect suggests that the longer something has been around, the longer it will likely continue to exist. Applying this to our passions, the best way to identify our calling is to look for our oldest passions that have persisted for decades. This concept resonates with the idea that our interests are shaped by the wisdom gained through our cumulative life experiences.

Combining the themes of the rise of decacorns and the secrets to great writing, we can draw actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and writers alike:

1. Pursue what truly excites you: Just as successful startups are often born out of founders' genuine passion for a particular problem or industry, great writing comes from a place of personal excitement. Identify subjects that make you come alive and explore them with enthusiasm.

2. Dedicate time and effort: Both entrepreneurship and writing require consistent effort and dedication. Set aside dedicated time to work on your craft, whether it's building a business or honing your writing skills. Embrace the challenge and invest the necessary time and energy to excel.

3. Identify your long-standing passions: The Lindy Effect can guide us in finding our true calling. Reflect on your oldest passions that have persisted throughout the years. These enduring interests are likely to hold the key to your long-term success and fulfillment.

In conclusion, the year 2021 has witnessed a surge in decacorns, highlighting the immense growth and potential of startups. Simultaneously, the secrets to great writing shared by Stephen King emphasize the importance of passion, personal connection, and dedication in the creative process. By incorporating these principles and taking actionable steps, aspiring entrepreneurs and writers can pave their own paths to success.