Caterpillar Cowboy

So, as I look at the markets today, I think I see a similar situation developing.  There are a large number of public companies that have a lot to lose (and are forced to play defense to protect their sagging stock prices).  As they cut their spending (and lay people off), these companies are slashing investment in new projects and new products.  And that makes them vulnerable to scrappy startups with a different risk profile.  Granted, I don’t think you’re going to be able to burn through $150M (or even $15M) today to “go big” — but I believe there are other ways to take an aggressive risk posture (as PayPal did with their willingness to accept legal “ambiguities”).

Maybe the fact that startups don’t have much to lose is a good thing - especially if you’re competing with someone who has a lot to lose.