Over the years, we've met with thousands of entrepreneurs who were starting consumer Internet businesses. And as we listen to them describe their business, I find myself categorizing the opportunity. One of categorizations I've found most helpful has been to determine whether the company is looking to help people "save time" or help people "kill time".
Companies like Youtube and Zynga entertain people (and help them kill time) -- while companies like Google, LinkedIn and Mint.com are great utilities and help people save time (but users rarely visit them for without intent or for for pure entertainment). At First Round, we've funded both:
- Mint.com, Uber, Xobni, and HotelTonight all fall in the "save time" category
- And StumbleUpon, MyYearbook, Roblox, MovieClips all fall in the "kill time" category
To read the full, original article click on this link: Redeye VC: Saving Time vs. Killing Time
