The Cold Start Problem
by Andrew Chen · 2021
Bootstrap network effects from zero.
About
Chen's framework for starting, scaling and defending network-effect businesses.
Official summary
Drawing on Uber and a16z, Chen breaks network effects into a lifecycle - cold start, tipping point, escape velocity, ceiling and moat - and gives tactics for igniting the first 'atomic network' and growing it.
Why it’s an important read
If your product gets better as more people use it, this covers the hardest part: getting the very first network to ignite.
