All Platforms Need a Killer App — Cryptokitties is the one for blockchain

Too Long; Didn't Read

I’ve always loved investing in <em>companies that can become platforms but not investing in platforms</em>. What does that mean? Well, to be succinct, it’s quite hard to sell a platform. You need to show users/customers how your platform can solve problems. Every platform needs a killer app to demonstrate the power of the platform — show don’t tell. Going back to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebMethods" target="_blank">webmethods</a>, it was how DHL used WIDL (precursor to XML) to embed tracking information in other websites. For <a href="http://twilio.com" target="_blank">twilio</a>, it’s <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/miguelhelft/2016/09/14/the-wizard-of-apps-how-jeff-lawson-turned-twilio-into-the-mightiest-unicorn/#32ccf585b580" target="_blank">first big opportunity</a> was becoming the SMS provider for Uber. For the blockchain, it’s bitcoin and for ethereum and smart contracts, it’s <a href="https://www.cryptokitties.co/my-kitties" target="_blank">Cryptokitties</a>. Yes, cryptokitties.