Screenshot Essays

Essays on business and technology. Never more than a single screenshot. Subscribe here:

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

How SaaS wins in the AI Era

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

New investment: @coplane

[Willem @vanlancker]

https://t.co/7Tkw52IEsY

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

It’s Kingmaking Season Again

We’re seeing more startups raise back-to-back rounds at increasing valuations, each trying to brute force their claim on an important market. It feels a lot like 2020/2021 when every day, another “king” was crowned in your inbox via Term Sheet or Pro Rata.

Search those emails today and you’ll notice how few of the would-be kings became real ones.

In AI, it's still early, with a lot of game left to play. Yes, capital is helpful, but you can't shortcut the process by fundraising or being loud.

Instead it's best to recognize kingmaking for what it is: a distraction to see through rather than truth.

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

It’s earlier than you think

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

Today Parallel @p0 launches.

At @terraincap we are proud to have backed @paraga and team from the start.

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

Artificial Intelligence Underwriting Company (AIUC) launches today.

We @terraincap are thrilled to work with @runekvist, @bradr, @rajivdattani and the AIUC team.

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

https://t.co/NFwgOnPn8V

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

Base Power was @terraincap's very first investment — made shortly after forming the firm.

We are thrilled to triple down in their Series B.

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

Introducing Free Agency

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

Bootscaling and the Reckoning for Seed VC

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

We at @terraincap are thrilled to back @amather and the Eternal team.

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

New @ScreenshotEssay today:

How to Identify Enduring Winners vs. Bridge Solutions in AI

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

Beepers, Fax Machines, DVRs and the AI era of Bridge Solutions

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

Calling your shot stands in stark contrast to a sea of vague missions from tech giants today.

Take one whose mission is “revolutionizing commerce globally.”

How will employees know if their mission has succeeded or failed? Perhaps that is the point.

In 2008 big banks were thought to be too Too Big to Fail. Today, big tech has become Too Bland to Fail.

In contrast, those who call their shot put a stake in the ground. They may succeed. They may fail. But there is no ambiguity about if they delivered on their one shot.

This is the opportunity for startups.

To move people to action today requires a specific goal with high stakes — championed by founders who point to the possible.

Collectively, these founders take our gaze from the glidepath of the present and point it toward the catalysts of the far future.

As the world searches for belief, they will find it in these companies.

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

AI is a Platform Shift like PC, Web, and Mobile.

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

New @ScreenshotEssay today:

The Algorithm is You: Bing Chat and Sydney

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

Rinsed Raises $12M Series A from Bedrock and Founders Fund

[Eric Stromberg @ericstromberg]

New @ScreenshotEssay today:

Vertical Fintechs are 21st Century Bank Branches