Hyperlocal Media and Collaborative Consumption Services
The “shared economy” being ushered in by startups like Airbnb, Getaround and Toolspinner is creating new marketplaces where locals can rent their homes, cars, and tools to neighbors. This new trend enables the efficient sharing of resources and goods that are used on occasion as an alternative to outright ownership…
Startups Compete to Connect Neighbors — But Beware the ‘Empty Room’
A number of new hyperlocal apps have popped up recently to facilitate neighbors’ conversations with one other, but I see three major hurdles to the adoption of these localized services. Local networks require critical mass, they require ringleaders, and they require neighbors who are willing to share online with people near enough to stalk them…