The generation most immersed in digital life is developing a powerful nostalgia for a pre-internet world they've only seen in media. This drives trends like 'digital defiance' and an appreciation for analog products. Brands can tap into this by offering experiences that feel authentic and non-digital.
Blippar's CMO, who couldn't code, attributes her success to translating complex technology into compelling messages. Turning 'image recognition computer vision' into 'the Harry Potterification of print' is a superpower that bridges the gap between innovators and the market, proving more valuable than technical expertise alone.
While AI can accelerate tasks like writing, the real learning happens during the creative process itself. By outsourcing the 'doing' to AI, we risk losing the ability to think critically and synthesize information. Research shows our brains are physically remapping, reducing our ability to think on our feet.
Blippar's sophisticated image recognition was 'too clever' for mass adoption. The 'ugly as sin' but visually obvious QR code ultimately won because its function was immediately clear to users. This proves that intuitive, simple design is more critical for user behavior change than technological superiority.
Blippar's co-founder realized her skills were perfect for the startup-to-scale-up phase but that she became a bottleneck at scale. Her inability to delegate meant others were better suited to lead the scaled team. This self-awareness is crucial for founders to prevent stalling growth and empower their organization.
The 'attention economy' consumes 4-5 hours of a consumer's day, stealing share from real-world activities. Brands selling physical products or experiences (e.g., hospitality, sports) have a massive opportunity to position themselves as the antidote to screen time, framing their offerings as ways to reconnect with the real world ('soul').
The funding gap isn't just about discrimination. Women, on average, are more risk-averse and often build passion-led businesses that don't fit the hyper-growth VC model. They favor bootstrapping and debt, leading to higher survival rates but fewer billion-dollar 'unicorns,' reframing the definition of entrepreneurial success.
Blippar found that large, established companies wanted to fit new tech into old media silos (e.g., play a TV ad on a print ad). In contrast, challenger brands like Juice Burst were dream clients. Their risk appetite and hunger for an edge made them willing to experiment and create truly innovative use cases.