Yes, there are plenty of niches without established social networks. The issue becomes whether the niche provides a compelling value proposition for people to

Yes, there are plenty of niches without established social networks. The issue becomes whether the niche provides a compelling value proposition for people to deal with the beginning. I would argue that HN or maybe Reddit have the right type of environment where if they decided to add a social tier to comments stuff like I could add someone as a friend that it would take off. Also, I think dating sites have potential to win here too. Site A could easily add a friend button and end up with network effects to keep people from going to site B. That could grow in to a real network. The way I think about it is the same way I think about the universe. Without a doubt, with 7 Billion people on earth, someone will figure out a way to create network effects. From an investment standpoint I would be fearful to back anyone unless they had traction.