Also, is this the new launch-to-acquisition record for YC?
Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
131–140 of 167 posts
Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#132Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#133Earlier quoted context omitted.
Funny that you would say that. There are a lot of us start ups (even yc ones!) that copy companyies/ideas that are proven and established here in Germany. The package stuff s just one example. All the ride sharing start ups that were hyped some time ago basically copy "mitfahrgelegenheit.de" ( now the company s known as carpooling) wh have been dong this for nearly ten years now. Public bike sharing is another exampl…
I agree that Germany is not all about copycats. Thanks to the Samwers and others this perception was created. If you visit places like Silicon Valley and say you're from Germany you can be sure to find someone who will "make a joke" about Germany and startup copycats. What irritates me is that nobody seems to point out these reverse cases, where others copy German innovation/ideas. Also I'm wondering why these positi…
Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#134Another enthusiastic "Oh wow, Google bought us! We're going to be doing so many new things now!" followed by "Sorry we're shutting down" in a few weeks. Happens every time. Isn't that what Google does? They buy a company. Half of the team leaves because they can't go through Google interview and the other half is disbanded to work on other Google projects.
And so chances of shutting down are fairly slim unless it was the team Google was after.
Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#135Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#136In Canada now, I think the only instance that is as wide-spread is gas stations. I could see Buffer Box stations at selected pumps in the near future.
Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#137One of the best possible outcomes: very cool new business idea, continues operating, backed by Google, with founders compensated for the risk they took launching it. Awesome news. Congratulations!
It's not a new idea. We've had them running in my country (Denmark) for the last five years at least. They are everywhere.
Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#138Earlier quoted context omitted.
Most apartments do not have someone to sign for packages and missed deliveries are a pain. It's definitely worth paying $3 to avoid them m
Or just get things delivered by a sane service that stores your packages at a neighbourhood postal office rather than a warehouse in a distant suburb :)
Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#139Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#140Earlier quoted context omitted.
Or just get things delivered by a sane service that stores your packages at a neighbourhood postal office rather than a warehouse in a distant suburb :)
The problem that's being solved is that we have no control over which delivery service a retailer uses
Most retailers are upfront regarding the delivery service used. You wouldn't shop at a brick and mortar retailer that's unreasonably far from you. Why shop at an online retailer that sends your packages unreasonably far?