Update: Content Challenge Q&A Replay
Thanks to everyone who called in and emailed with their Content Challenge questions.
We discussed the process, changes from last year, and what I’ll ultimately do with all of these story pitches.
We covered a lot of ground, but if I didn’t get to your question, please email me. And be sure to get your pitches in before the deadline: EOD Wednesday, 7/26/17.
Thanks!
Content Challenge Q&A Replay:
Content Challenge #1 Overview
The final phase of the Big50-2017 Startup competition is the Content Challenge. There will be two challenges. The first will focus on issues startups – any startup – must deal with in today’s chaotic global market economy.
The second challenge will narrow in on topics relevant to more narrow startup market niches. But that’s a challenge for a later day.
Today’s challenge is all about the current startup climate.
Here are your next steps:
- We have listed three topics below. Look them over and decide which ONE is the best fit for your startup. You may only pitch us on one of these topics.Your first pitch will be pretty much like what you’d send to a journalist on HARO. We’ve posted 3 story overviews below. Again, pick the one that is the BEST fit for your startup.
- Make sure you have a good source for this, one willing to be interviewed on the record. We’re looking for C-level execs, and/or founders. In other words, don’t pitch us any marketing or PR reps.
- Fill out the story pitch form. Deadline: EOD Monday, 7/24/17
- That’s it. Startup50 will contact the startups with the best pitches, and we’ll begin working on content to feature on Startup50.
Content Challenge #1: Startup stories:
The Future of. . .
Here are the three stories we’re going to work on as we finalize the Big50-2017 roster, and they all will look at “the future of” a specific trend relevant to startups:
1.1: The Future of . . . Startups
Let’s begin at the beginning, shall we?
If you’ve read this far, you’re part of a recently formed startup. You know it’s hard to make it in this environment, but how will things be different in 5, 10, or 20 years?
Crowdfunding, micro-lending, automation, AI, outsourcing and at least a dozen other trends are changing what it takes to launch a startup. What will the typical startup in 2025 or 2030 look like and how different will it be from today?
How will this difference impact our economy, who is able to found a startup, how startups scale, and what it will take to succeed in an ever more connected global economy?
1.2: The Future of . . . Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley used to be synonymous with innovation and opportunity, but that reputation has taken a hit lately.
Startups used to feel like once they’d established a solid beachhead in Silicon Valley, they’d made it. Now, it’s a double-edged sword, and many startups are eschewing the Valley altogether.
Skyrocketing real estate prices, a VC sexual harassment scandal that’s gaining steam, a potential brain-drain due to tightening immigration laws – these are just a few of the issues making experts question the future viability of Silicon Valley.
Where does Silicon Valley go from here, and will it ever recover its reputation as the hub of the emerging global knowledge economy?
1.3: The Future of . . . Work
As Artificial Intelligence and automation remake our economy, soon economist could well consider how many jobs were eliminated each quarter, not added, as a sign of a healthy economy.
While these trends may be a boon for business owners, they’re a disaster for workers, the economy at large, and, perhaps, even civil society. After all, without a sizable population of consumers with money in their pockets, the rich will only be selling to the rich, and soon, angry mobs of displaced workers will be massing in the streets.
How should businesses, workers, and governments prepare for our “jobless future”?
Update: Deadline extended. New deadline to complete the Questionnaire: EOD Wednesday, 7/26/17
Content Challenge #1: Future of Questionnaire
