How to build a new Tech Giant: Do what seems wrong by many....

???? Introduction

In the exhilarating world of startups, achieving long-term success requires thinking beyond the ordinary. Sometimes, the road to greatness involves taking unconventional steps that challenge the status quo. Today, I'm excited to share five fascinating and practical strategies that have proven successful for some of the most renowned tech companies in the world. These pioneers dared to innovate, embraced risks, and transformed industries by following their vision. Let's dive in!

1. Go For a Smaller Market First (Against VC's advice)

The journey to success often begins with targeting a niche market. Take a look at the tech giants that emerged from humble beginnings in a super small market. Example: Google started as search for Stanford, Facebook started as social network for Harvard students, and Tesla began as a sports car for a few. And yes, Amazon was once an online bookstore! By focusing on a smaller audience, startups can gain invaluable insights and validate their ideas. This approach helps build a solid foundation for future scaling and expansion. MicroNiching allows you to stay close to your customers, understand their needs intimately, and adapt quickly to evolving demands.

2. Do a Lot of Non-Tech Work (Do what doesn't scale)

In today's tech-dominated landscape, the value of non-tech work might be underrated, but it's a game-changer. Some of the most successful startups, including Airbnb, Mpesa, Google Maps, and Stripe, swear by this approach. Engaging in hands-on, manual processes provides a unique opportunity to experience customer pain points firsthand. It enables startups to develop more empathetic, customer-oriented solutions that truly resonate. Learning the ropes through non-tech work is the stepping stone to automation and scalability in the future. Never underestimate the power of getting your hands dirty—it leads to invaluable lessons and transformative growth.

3. Build a Product No One Wants Now (Build for10-20 years later)

Now, this might sound counterintuitive, but envisioning and creating products ahead of their time can lead to remarkable market dominance. Consider the trailblazing companies that introduced disruptive innovations. Safaricom launched Mpesa when mobile money was unheard of; Google introduced Android

and Google Maps to revolutionise how we navigate the world. Apple boldly launched iTunes and now envisions an Apple National ID. Today, we find ourselves relying on technologies like ChatGPT, which seemed superfluous in 2015. Building products no one wants today positions startups at the forefront of future demand, creating uncontested markets that they can shape and dominate.

4. Build a Monopoly (Peter Thiel agrees)

In the cutthroat world of startups, the pursuit of building a monopoly can be the ultimate game-changer. Creating an insurmountable market position and wielding unparalleled influence in a sector is the goal. The goal you achieve by being aggressive, innovative and M&As as you will see below examples.

Facebook was a dominant social media player then it acquired Whatsapp and Instagram creating a global monopoly from photos, networking to messenger.

MSFT was already accused of monopolistic status with windows and explorer then they acquired Xbox and Blizzard, That's how a gangster moves!

5. Avoid and evade regulations as long as possible.

In the dynamic world of startups, strategically evading regulations can become a key element in achieving long-term success. This approach involves operating in a manner that falls outside the existing regulatory frameworks, thereby gaining an early advantage. By doing so, startups can establish a significant user base and market position before regulations catch up. This may also be in a form of befriending the regulators such that they set protectionist policies that favors you over new entrants---see Wechat and Baidu in China vs Whatsapp and Google. Many disruptive startups, such as Uber, M-Pesa, and Airbnb, launched their innovative services before comprehensive regulations were established in their industries. As pioneers, they faced unique challenges and opportunities in shaping the regulatory landscape. I have these below examples as I find them to be super interesting for founders.

a. Uber: Uber, the transformative ride-sharing service, entered markets before comprehensive regulations were in place for app-based transportation. By leveraging this first-mover advantage, Uber rapidly gained popularity and disrupted traditional taxi services. Though facing regulatory backlash, Uber demonstrated resilience and, in some cases, collaborated with regulators to shape ride-sharing regulations, fortifying its dominant position and creating barriers for potential competitors.

b. M-Pesa: M-Pesa, the groundbreaking mobile money service, launched before comprehensive regulations for mobile payments were established. This enabled M-Pesa to gain a strong foothold in the market, connecting millions with innovative financial services. As regulations evolved, M-Pesa proactively collaborated with regulators to shape the regulatory landscape, solidifying its position as a dominant player and making it challenging for new entrants.

c. Airbnb: Airbnb's short-term rental platform disrupted the accommodation sector without fully defined regulations governing such services. Its early entry allowed it to scale rapidly, becoming a household name. However, as regulatory scrutiny increased, Airbnb's strategies varied across different markets. In some cases, it collaborated with local authorities to implement balanced regulations while maintaining its competitive edge.

In Conclusion:

In the fast-paced world of startups, daring to be unconventional can lead to remarkable success. The strategies followed by tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft demonstrate the power of thinking outside the box and challenging the norm. By targeting smaller markets, engaging in non-tech work, and envisioning products ahead of their time, startups can gain a competitive edge and shape their industries.

Moreover, building a monopoly, when executed ethically and through continuous innovation, can solidify a startup's market position and influence. Companies like Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon have leveraged strategic acquisitions and relentless innovation to achieve dominance in their respective markets.

Additionally, strategically evading regulations can offer startups a first-mover advantage, allowing them to establish a significant user base and market position before regulations catch up. While this approach requires vigilance and adaptability, it can create barriers for new entrants and cement a startup's position as an industry leader.

As entrepreneurs embark on their startup journeys, they should draw inspiration from these strategies and learn from the successes and challenges of tech titans. Embracing the unconventional, pursuing innovation, and fostering collaborations with regulators where needed can pave the way for startups to leave a lasting impact on the world and build businesses that stand the test of time. The future of tech entrepreneurship is limitless, and those willing to take bold steps and chart their own course will shape the world of tomorrow. ????