The On Demand Weekly #7

Harry Campbell, in his latest article ‘The On Demand Economy Is Making Us Laz‘ in Forbes, said “these on-demand services are addicting and while hockey-stick growth is awesome for Postmates, its drivers and its investors, it also tells me that we as a society are getting lazier.” However, Juggernaut would like to counter-argue with him. We believe that in this day and age of hectic life, where we are struggling to maintain a work-life balance, getting some extra hours family time and relaxation means a lot. Hence, we conclude that On Demand is not making us lazy, but it is helping us reconnect with our real world.

Juggernaut’s Insight:

Lyft’s CEO, Logan Green, plans to overtake Uber in the ride-sharing race.
Global Number of Car Sharing Users to Reach 650 Million by 2030.
Having figured out an appropriate business model, one needs to take the product/service, to a product market fit.

Industry News:

Fundbox Raises $40 Million To Pay Invoices On Demand

Fundbox, a company that loans businesses money for outstanding invoice payments, has raised $40 million to grow its own business in the trillion-dollar alternative lending market.

Lyft Secures $530 Million in Funding to Take on Uber

Lyft has upped the stakes in its ambitious drive to take on Uber, saying Thursday it raised $530 million in a funding round led by Japanese ecommerce giant Rakuten to fuel expansion in the US and abroad.

This startup wants to take on Uber and Lyft with self-flying cars

Imagine a world in which you call up a plane on your smartphone as easily as you can summon cars from Uber and Lyft. Then take it to the next level: The plane has no pilot, completely controlled by automatic algorithms.

Eye-Opener:

Are Uber, Airbnb, TaskRabbit Adulterating The Sharing Economy?

Something similar is happening with the so-called “sharing” economy, popularized by the likes of Uber, AirBnb and Task Rabbit. While users still flock to these platforms, more and more people are starting to question the real benefits and the underlying motivations of the companies involved.

Employees, Independent Contractors and the On-Demand Economy

Two recent court rulings by a pair of San Francisco judges involving the ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft may have far-reaching consequences for the “On-Demand” Economy.

Industry Experts:

Post-acquisition Life: What’s on the Other Side?

In its stead, we are seeing the rise of what The Economist called the On-Demand Economy in a recent article. “Ever since the 1970s… Manufacturing jobs have been automated out of existence or outsourced abroad, while big companies have abandoned lifetime employment. Some 53m American workers already work as freelances.”

Success Story:

Jereme on how UrbanStems is transforming the On Demand Flower Delivery Market

On-demand flower delivery startup, UrbanStems, is on its way to bring the much needed revolution in the flower industry. Their beautifully made signature bouquets along with speedy delivery (within one hour!) makes them the most sort after flower delivery brand in the US. In conversation with Jereme Holiman, Co-founder and Head of Operations of UrbanStems.