3 ms·

B2C (and tools for programmers) is overrepresented amongst hackers because it is easier to gain domain knowledge in these territories especially for young hacke

by nadam 16y ago

B2C (and tools for programmers) is overrepresented amongst hackers because it is easier to gain domain knowledge in these territories especially for young hackers. I also think that B2B is still underrepresented, and I am more interested in that. But we should also note that solving Customer n's problem is very different than solving Customer M's problems at once where M is s big set of customers. The first is 'consulting', the second is building a product and a scalable startup. The second is much harder than the first, that may be also a reason for not being there that much B2B startups (but lots of consulatants).

okaramian 16y ago
Definitely agree. There are lots of large problems and lots of behind the times applications being used by businesses. There is a lot of room to improve efficiency and cut down on costs. I have a couple ideas for B2B type systems, my real problems are how to market and sell those applications. I guess I don't really have knowledge in how companies adopt technology. It seems easier (although less profitable) to sell to individuals since it's one person's decision process, not an entire organization.
mindcrime 16y ago
I also think that B2B is still underrepresented, and I am more interested in that. It is, but there are a few of us around. I'm working on an enterprise software startup, focused on information retrieval and knowledge management. Pretty far removed from the typical HN "location aware, social photo-sharing with gamification" stuff, but I think it's actually more interesting. But that's just me...
hello_moto 16y ago
You know we're in a bubble when everybody thinks that everybody else is a hacker ;)
Travis 16y ago
b2b startup here! We got our idea b/c 2 of my cofounders worked in the industry, and spent 3 years noting the problems with their field. That's a very difficult thing for a 23 year old hacker to get exposure to. In order to get that job in the first place, you'd need a mechanical engineering degree, then spend several years at the plant. On the flip side, we've just started to place ads on our sites via google's adsense, and we're getting > $15 RPM already. B2B is where the easier money is, in my opinion. (That also applies to women-focused companies).

by nadam 16y ago

okaramian 16y ago

Definitely agree. There are lots of large problems and lots of behind the times applications being used by businesses. There is a lot of room to improve efficiency and cut down on costs. I have a couple ideas for B2B type systems, my real problems are how to market and sell those applications. I guess I don't really have knowledge in how companies adopt technology. It seems easier (although less profitable) to sell to individuals since it's one person's decision process, not an entire organization.

mindcrime 16y ago

I also think that B2B is still underrepresented, and I am more interested in that. It is, but there are a few of us around. I'm working on an enterprise software startup, focused on information retrieval and knowledge management. Pretty far removed from the typical HN "location aware, social photo-sharing with gamification" stuff, but I think it's actually more interesting. But that's just me...

hello_moto 16y ago

You know we're in a bubble when everybody thinks that everybody else is a hacker ;)

Travis 16y ago

b2b startup here! We got our idea b/c 2 of my cofounders worked in the industry, and spent 3 years noting the problems with their field. That's a very difficult thing for a 23 year old hacker to get exposure to. In order to get that job in the first place, you'd need a mechanical engineering degree, then spend several years at the plant. On the flip side, we've just started to place ads on our sites via google's adsense, and we're getting > $15 RPM already. B2B is where the easier money is, in my opinion. (That also applies to women-focused companies).