I spent the day at GigaOM’s Mobilize conference listening to the state of the industry and learning a bit about the r ealities and opportunities. The net is that everyone is excited about what the IPhone and Android potentially brings. But, the IPhone doesn’t solve all the problems. Startups looking at mobile will need to work with cross platform and cross carrier issues for some time if they want to reach the broadest au dience.
One of the more interesting sessions I attended was the VC Panel. It seems that venture funding for mobile has been energized by the iPhone App Store and other recent developments. Here are my notes:
Off-deck growth is the opportunity
It offers better distribution — Just look at the Apple App Store. Compare that to an App sitting on the carrier deck or not getting on the deck. In fact, Redpoint noted that they no longer invest in companies that just have a distribution through carriers.
Figure out how you make developers successful
Like the ad networks and analytic tools on the web, figure out how do you make mobile developers successful. Provide the pick and axe to the developers. It's lower risk with high pay-outs.
Still need to build Multi-platform solutions
The IPhone will reach tens of millions of users within the next year but most consumer plays will need to reach a larger audience to be venture backed...thus the need to take a multi-platform approach.
Look for business models beyond advertising
One of the panelists noted that mobile revenue for some companies in Korea were 60 percent virtual goods, 40 percent advertising.
It's about time I get serious about developing for mobile:)
