[closedloop129]

If the network is that important, isn't there a startup looming that provides such a network to the many people who are not in one?

I tend to think that networks are not excluding on principle. If somebody can demonstrate value, people will be eager to include that person into the network. On the other hand, Quibi shows that networks alone cannot rescue startups.

The interesting group are all the average people who could create something successful (of the Figma type) together. As a group, they have access to all resources, but they don't coordinate them. $20B means that 20.000 people could come together and make $1M each. Maybe they need a tool (of the Figma type) to coordinate themselves and that's another startup opportunity.

[rexreed]

A high value network is a group of people that have inherent trust or a common background or understanding that allows them to provide access to each other's highest value connections and resources. A low value network are those people that don't really know each other and won't trust providing access to high value resources or people, even if they share common interests. A network of people with common interests is not the same as a network of people with common background or other deep connections. This is what prevents startups (or LinkedIN or Meetup or what have you) providing the same depth of network as a "closed" network provides. By definition a high value network will be somewhat to very exclusionary. Low value networks are inclusive.

And no, networks alone can't accomplish much, and having a great network is no guarantee of success. But clearly having a great, high value network provides a significant advantage over not having any network or only access to low value networks.

[duped]

> Quibi shows that networks alone cannot rescue startups

Arguably it goes to GP's point - it's not about having a network, but the "right" network. Quibi had the wrong network and was doomed from inception.

> If the network is that important, isn't there a startup looming that provides such a network to the many people who are not in one?

There is, it's called Y Combinator.

[anonu]

My cynical point of view: if you try to replicate the benefits of a network with technology, social media, etc... the benefits of such a network quickly become overwhelmed by volume and the quality degrades.