startups are just chats, lists, or spreadsheets

package startups

import "math/rand"

func StartupIdeaGenerator() string {
    ideas := []string{"a chat", "a mailing list", "a spreadsheet"}
    return ideas[rand.Intn(len(ideas))]
}

strip away the buzzwords and what’s left?

underneath the slick apps and pitches? chats, lists, or spreadsheets wearing expensive clothes.

this isn’t criticism: it’s genius. old tools made better.

uber? just a chat app.

you “message” your location into a geo-tagged chat room. drivers “reply.” the core? pure chat logic.

twitter? fancy mailing list.

subscribe to thoughts. tweets hit your “inbox.” it’s email for people with attention deficit.

airbnb? spreadsheet meets chat.

listings, prices, dates (spreadsheet) plus guest-host negotiation (chat). that’s the billion-dollar idea.

here’s 20 more stripped naked:

1. slack: group chat with file uploads.

2. notion: spreadsheet pretending to be everything.

3. whatsapp: chat app with pictures.

4. google docs: collaborative spreadsheets.

5. asana: todo list with extra steps.

6. calendly: spreadsheet of time slots.

7. substack: mailing list that makes money.

8. zoom: video chat room.

9. stripe: spreadsheet that handles money.

10. discord: chat with rooms.

11. figma: collaborative drawing chat.

12. medium: blog post mailing list.

13. yelp: business review spreadsheet.

14. spotify: playlist spreadsheet with sound.

15. github: code spreadsheet with issues.

16. doordash: restaurant chat with delivery.

17. etsy: handmade goods spreadsheet.

18. robinhood: stock market spreadsheet ui.

19. kickstarter: funding chat room.

20. duolingo: gamified vocab spreadsheet.

here’s the thing: simple works.

startups don’t reinvent the wheel. they make it spin better. ask yourself: is it a chat, list, or spreadsheet?

if yes, you’re halfway there. the other half is execution.

“old tools in new clothes - that’s innovation.”

try it: what does StartupIdeaGenerator() say your next big thing will be?

related: simple over complex on why simplicity wins. wulo on my attempt to build a nonprofit uber.