Qwiki Epitomizes the Current Startup Bubble
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Qwiki Epitomizes the Current Startup Bubble
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Re: Qwiki Epitomizes the Current Startup Bubble
#2Agreed. It's unbelievable that they raised such an amount of money for something that doesn't really seem very exceptional. Frothy times are here again.
Re: Qwiki Epitomizes the Current Startup Bubble
#3Not exactly a bubble; just because a few people give a startup money, doesn't mean every or any startup is getting money.
Re: Qwiki Epitomizes the Current Startup Bubble
#4It's possible that they raised the money to pursue some significant tech behind a portion of their product; it could be possible that they are on the cusp of making vast advances in text-to-speech synthesis, and they needed more funds to see it through. (Possible, but not probable.)
Re: Qwiki Epitomizes the Current Startup Bubble
#5I wonder if any Qwiki people read HN would like to respond to this outpouring of negativity directed at them around here. Not saying I disagree with the criticism, just would like to get their point of view.
Re: Qwiki Epitomizes the Current Startup Bubble
#6If the author is correct and all Qwiki is doing is reading wikipedia and maybe some of the related sources then yes it is unbelievable that they have gotten funding.
It also makes me realize that most of my business ideas are way too complex in an effort to provide real value. I throw away ideas like Qwiki because I wouldn't feel like I'm providing much value. I need to shift my focus to creating dead simple, but very pretty websites and see what sticks. :)
Re: Qwiki Epitomizes the Current Startup Bubble
#7Is this that moment in time where because popular opinion says we're in a bubble, we're actually NOT in a bubble?
Just food for thought - check out http://www.qwiki.com/for-publishers.
Let's say that they pick up a reasonable number of tier-1 publishers into this format.
Heck maybe they already have commitments and that was part of their pitch in raising the additional $8m.
How would that change your perception of their valuation?
Beyond that, look at the "team" page.
Content monetization is a HUGE area of opportunity online and that's one heck of a team they've compiled - would you rather give those guys $8m and bet on a huge one or throw your money into the stack at AOL's public offering?
Re: Qwiki Epitomizes the Current Startup Bubble
#8I share skepticism about what Qwiki has shown so far. But, it's unfair to assume that's all investors have seen.
The pitch was more likely of the form: "On a shoestring, we've launched this public functionality, and can show you this even more impressive private functionality, which needs $8 million to be further improved and scaled up."
Re: Qwiki Epitomizes the Current Startup Bubble
#9Seems you fancy yourself an iceberg hunter. You see just the tip and you seem to know everything underneath? How about you stop knocking other's hustle and focus on yours? You have to learn to let go of this immature angst; it will eat you alive and taint everything you do.
Re: Qwiki Epitomizes the Current Startup Bubble
#10where's the bubble? i don't feel it. can't see a queue of investors at my door! )))