We started conducting customer interviews today for our two new ideas. In one interview with a seasoned entrepreneur and friend, the key question was: Is better software the solution to the problems in this space?
His answer was: No.
That’s pretty rough. It could mean that we pack our bags and stop pursuing the idea.
So I’m torn. He is right that software alone will not solve the problems of the space. Non-uniform hardware, content, and lack of a clear, consistent, and target-able buyer are the industry’s core problems.
On the other hand, people have said the same thing about other industries. They have said that software would never be able to simplify other problems. Somehow, software is amazingly good at becoming very useful, especially when hardware form factors make it possible.
Our customer interviews have just begun and we have much more to do. I look forward to learning more about this space.
Tonight I find myself thinking about the question: “Is software the solution?” Clearly our software would be better than any of the other software in the space. But is that enough?
(Note: Sorry for the vague post. I’ve still not written about these specific ideas. We’ll announce soon the two startup ideas we have in the works.)
What are your thoughts about software solutions being able to solve problems in challenging spaces?
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