Ask HN: Which startups do you think won't survive the next downturn?

2 points by tempsdlfkjs ↗ HN
Which brandname startups do you think will not survive the next downturn?

My prediction: 1) Bird 2) WeWork

4 comments

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My prediction: all the latest YC ones, pretty weak products/services
Really? I think a number of them provide pretty useful services that would last through a recession. Sable, Metacode, GreenTiger all seemed to add enough value to justify even during a recession. A number of the startups also have decent revenue already and could survive by staying lean. This latest batch doesn't seem to havethe next Facebook or Google, but definitely still good companies solving useful problems.
IDK, I see weak products and not that usefulness
I have a very American/European centric view on this so I won't speak to the Asian market which I'm sure also has some companies that aren't going to survive but I think any company that can't become profitable relatively quickly or has a recession proof business is going to be in trouble.

Honestly I'm pretty bearish on just about anything that isn't recession proof, but I am interested to see how companies like Airbnb perform which in my mind has a chance to capture even more market share and mind space (if not the most profitable customers) during a downturn. Coliving spaces in general, lite entertainment co's that distract people from life, cannabis startups, part time or freelance job platforms, medical tourism and other hacks around market inefficiencies, etc. Basically anything that helps use an underutilized asset in a cost effective way, saves people significant money (or does so very easily), or helps distract them from the bad times are interesting.