Some founders ride the wave. Others scream “surf’s up!” in a parking lot. This week, JDM and Cam play a game of Why Now, or Why Bother? and put a few timing claims on trial.
✅ What makes market timing a legit advantage (and what absolutely doesn’t)
✅ The difference between early and too early
✅ Real timing signals vs. startup astrology
✅ Five real-life startup timing claims—analyzed, roasted, and (occasionally) redeemed
✅ Why Gen Z burnout, Shopify plugins, and blockchain Airbnbs don’t always mean “now’s the time”
Also: Cam questions the laws of NIL physics, JDM’s on a cold streak of frivolous thoughts, and Cass makes the hosts question their empathy levels. Again.
Game Recap: Real Startups, Real Timing Claims
❌ Gen Z Career Coach App
🥱 Claim: Gen Z is entering the workforce; mental health is a big deal
👎 Timing fail: Not compelling. Vibes ≠ timing. Workforce entry ≠ need for coaching.
🔨 Verdict: Why bother? This isn’t “timing,” it’s wishful framing.
❌ Shopify Plugin for Smart Bundles
🥱 Claim: AI! CAC! Cookies are dead!
👎 Timing fail: Generic buzzword soup. No link to what Shopify sellers actually want.
🔨 Verdict: Why bother? It’s not 2022 anymore. AI isn’t a differentiator—it’s plumbing.
🚨 Web3 Airbnb Alternative
🥱 Claim: Blockchain + community voting = trust
👎 Timing fail: Web3 hype wave is over. Your DAO can’t fix guest stains and broken lamps.
🔨 Verdict: Why bother? Nobody asked for this. Literally.
✅ Family Caregiver Coordination App
✅ Claim: Aging population + unpaid burnout = growing pain
👍 Timing win: Clear alignment between rising problem and proposed solution
👏 Verdict: Why now. Still needs sharper positioning, but a legit case for timing
Frivolous Thoughts
Cam: NIL deals in college sports are out of control — Shaq is now a general manager at Sac State???
JDM: Catching up on Slow Horses and Hacks. Also, haunted by missed opportunities for Woody Woodpecker puns.
Cass (by proxy): Actually felt empathy during this episode and had to lie down.
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