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Nikita Bier is co-founder of TBH (sold to Meta for more than $30 million) and Gas (sold to Discord for millions more), and has helped more apps hit #1 in the app stores than any human alive. He currently spends his time advising founders on viral growth strategies, product UX, and product development. He's also invested in or advised some of the most successful consumer tech companies out there, including Flo Health Inc., Locket Labs, Citizen, BeReal., Wealthsimple, and more. In our conversation, Nikita shares: 🔸 Strategies for building viral consumer apps 🔸 Why big companies can’t launch hit social apps  🔸 Inside the human trafficking hoax at Gas 🔸 Why teens are such a great audience 🔸 His experience working as a PM at Facebook 🔸 The inside story of how TBH and Gas achieved explosive growth 🔸 Much more Listen now 👇 - YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gGMXBvz4 - Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gb2kCn7p - Apple: https://lnkd.in/g-dEvi9h Some key takeaways: 1. There are only a few core reasons why people download apps, and they each link back to basic human motivations: a. Finding a mate (e.g. Tinder) b. Making or saving money (e.g. Robinhood) c. Unplugging from reality (e.g. Netflix) 2. Optimize for the aha moment in seconds. With attention spans shrinking, it’s critical to demonstrate your core value to users within the first three seconds of using an app. This often requires ruthlessly cutting features and being creative with available APIs and mechanisms. 3. The number of invitations sent per user drops 20% for every additional year of age from 13 to 18. To maximize growth, focus on demographics with high urgency and frequent interactions. With their high social communication rate, teens are particularly valuable for network-effect products. In contrast, targeting adults often requires heavy investment in advertising to acquire users. 4. If you’re looking for a startup idea, look for latent demand: Look for existing user behaviors that are being done in a very inefficient way. If people are using a clunky method to achieve a goal, it signals an opportunity to create a more effective and user-friendly product. 5. It’s extremely difficult for large tech companies to launch hit social apps. The best apps are launched based on hunches about basic human motivations, not the kind of clear market signals and evidence that big companies require before taking new bets. Big companies also require too much process for them to keep up with the pace of iteration required to succeed. It takes them 12-24 months to respond to competitive threats. 6. Creating durable consumer social products is extremely difficult. Nikita views it as a “black swan event” that happens maybe once a decade. While you can become skilled at making apps go viral, creating lasting engagement is much more challenging and involves a lot of luck.

Digital Marketing isn’t “posting content.” I thought it was. Until real campaigns proved me wrong. (Credit: Md Nurnobi Islam ) A growing brand once told me: > “We’re active everywhere. > Content is good. > Traffic is coming. > But sales? Almost none.” So I audited their marketing. One channel focus. No funnel logic. No tracking clarity. No retention plan. No data-driven decisions. Just content… and hope. That’s when it clicked— Digital Marketing is an ecosystem. Miss one layer, and growth collapses. Here are the 5 Pillars of Digital Marketing: 🔹 Foundation = Brand, Tracking, Data 🔹 Strategy = Funnel & Objectives 🔹 Traffic = Acquisition Channels 🔹 Content = Messaging & Creative 🔹 Optimization = Scaling & Retention When brands understand this, everything changes. The “viral post” isn’t the hero. The system is. In 2026, digital won’t reward “post and pray.” It will reward full-stack marketers. Real growth lives in: * Clear customer journey * SEO + Paid traffic balance * High-intent funnel design * Conversion-focused content * Email & remarketing loops * Clean analytics & attribution * Continuous testing & iteration When all five pillars work together, growth stops being random. Digital Marketing isn’t magic. It’s engineering. Build it right → results become predictable.

🚀𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 I spent some time going through the latest startup schemes that were announced, and honestly, this is one of the strongest pushes India has made for early-stage founders. If you’re building something in AI, education, hardware, deep-tech or even an early student startup, there’s real money on the table. And the best part is, a lot of this support comes without giving up equity. Sharing the ones that really stood out to me: 𝟭. 𝗡-𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣 (₹𝟰 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗵𝘀+) This is probably the easiest starting point for: • First-time founders • Early ideas • Student or campus startups It’s simple support to help you start building. 𝟮. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 (₹𝟭 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲+) If you’re thinking global from day one, this is worth exploring. They help with: • Setting up in the US • GTM support • High-ticket funding Basically a shortcut to global exposure. 𝟯. 𝗘𝗗𝗨 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 (₹𝟰 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀+) Anyone working on EdTech or skill development should look at this. There’s big support for: • EdTech products • Skilling platforms • Curriculum and learning innovation 𝟰. 𝗨𝗻𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶 𝗔𝗜 (₹𝟯𝟬 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗵𝘀+) This is huge for AI builders. Perfect for: • AI tools • SaaS + ML products • Automation + deep-tech ideas If you’re building anything around AI, this is free rocket fuel. 𝟱. 𝗡𝗜𝗗𝗛𝗜 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗦 (₹𝟭𝟬 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗵𝘀) This one is for hardware and IoT founders. You can actually get funding to build your prototype or MVP. A very practical scheme if your idea needs R&D. 𝟲. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 (₹𝟱𝟬 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗵𝘀) Designed for early-stage teams working on: • Prototype development • Product building • Market entry One of the most reliable government-backed supports right now. I’m sharing this because a lot of founders will be aware. If you’re planning to start something in 2026, this is genuinely the best time to prepare. If you want to discuss which scheme fits your idea, feel free to message me. Always happy to connect with other builders. #Startups #IndiaStartups #FounderCommunity #AI #EdTech #DeepTech #Innovation #Entrepreneurs #Funding #NIDHIPrayas #UnnatiAI #SeedFund #StartupEcosystem

Emerging Departments: How AI is Transforming Organizations Transformation in light of AI isn't just about digital change—it's strategic, cultural, and organizational. Early results of organizational optimization with AI reveal that traditional structures are evolving into new, combined departments that break down silos and enhance collaboration. Here are some emerging trends: 1. Human Experience Department (Led by the CXO) Combines marketing, HR, and customer service to create a unified experience approach. Focuses on customer and employee experience as a seamless continuum. Example: Airbnb and Starbucks blending internal and external engagement for holistic experience design. 2. The Intelligence Function (Led by Chief Data & Intelligence Officer (CDIO)) Merges IT, data analytics, and AI strategy into a unified intelligence function. Enhances decision-making with data-driven insights and technology integration. Example: Microsoft and Amazon use intelligence functions to support strategy and innovation. 3. Integrated Growth Department (Led by the CGO) Combines Marketing, Sales, and Customer Success to create cohesive client journeys. Prioritizes growth by aligning customer interactions across all touchpoints. Example: HubSpot and Salesforce driving client experience continuity. 4. Strategic Innovation & Transformation Office (Led by Chief Strategy Officer or Chief Transformation Officer) Combines strategy, innovation, and transformation initiatives for continuous evolution. Fosters agility by integrating foresight and innovation into long-term strategy. Example: Tesla blending innovation with strategic growth planning. 5. Technology and Digital Transformation Department (Led by the Chief Technology & Transformation Officer) Integrates IT, digital transformation, and cybersecurity under one strategic role. Embeds technology into workflows while ensuring security and compliance. Example: Cisco and IBM streamlining their digital transformation efforts. 6. Resilience and Continuity Department (Led by the Chief Risk Officer) Oversees Risk Management, Business Continuity, and Strategic Foresight. Ensures organizational resilience in an increasingly FLUX world. Example: JP Morgan building resilience to mitigate risks and ensure continuity. 7. Ethics and Responsible AI Office (Led by the CEAO) Ensures ethical AI use and compliance with regulatory standards. Maintains trust and integrity as AI becomes central to business strategy. Example: Microsoft and IBM proactively building ethics frameworks for responsible AI. In sum, AI is driving fundamental shifts in how we structure our organizations. To thrive, leaders must think beyond digital transformation and focus on strategic, cultural, and organizational evolution. The companies that succeed will be those that break down silos, integrate their functions, and embrace transformation as a continuous journey.

₹77,080 Crores allocated by the Government of India for startups and manufacturing in 2025. Yet most founders are still chasing VC money. I work with startups daily, and it surprises me how many don't even know these schemes exist. Here's what's available right now The Big Picture: → Deep Tech & Startup Fund: ₹30,000 Cr → MSME Budget Outlay: ₹23,168 Cr → Startup India Fund of Funds: ₹10,000 Cr → PLI Electronics & IT: ₹9,000 Cr → PLI Auto Components: ₹2,819 Cr → PLI Textiles: ₹1,148 Cr → Startup India Seed Fund: ₹945 Cr This is just the major allocations - there's more buried in smaller schemes. Let me break down what you can actually access based on your stage [1] For Early Stage Startups: 👉🏼 Startup India Seed Fund: Up to ₹50L per startup 👉🏼 SAMRIDH Scheme: Up to ₹40L grants 👉🏼 Atal Innovation Mission: Up to ₹15L for prototypes Most founders think these are too small. But remember, this is non-dilutive capital that can get you to revenue stage. [2] For Revenue Stage Companies: 👉🏼 CGTMSE: Up to ₹2 Cr collateral-free loans 👉🏼 Stand-Up India: ₹10L to ₹1 Cr for SC/ST/Women entrepreneurs 👉🏼 Multiplier Grants: Up to ₹10 Cr for R&D projects This is where it gets interesting. Revenue-stage companies have the best shot at accessing larger amounts. [3] For Manufacturing: 👉🏼 PLI schemes across 14+ sectors 👉🏼 Significant incentives for domestic production 👉🏼 Focus on electronics, auto, textiles If you're in manufacturing, you're literally sitting on a goldmine of incentives. The challenge? Most founders don't know how to navigate the application process. Here's where to start: - Startup India Portal [https://lnkd.in/gBdAH52D] - myScheme Portal [myscheme.gov.in] - SIDBI Portal [sidbi.in] - AIM Portal [aim.gov.in] - MeitY Startup Hub [msh.meity.gov.in] What you actually need: ✓ DPIIT registration for startups ✓ Proper documentation ✓ Clear business plan ✓ Compliance records ✓ Incubator partnerships (for some schemes) I've seen founders spend months preparing pitch decks for VCs, but won't spend a week getting their documentation ready for government schemes. The reality is Government funding is often cheaper, comes with less dilution, and has better terms than VC money. But it requires patience and proper documentation. #startupfunding #manufacturing #debtfunding

Early-stage founders, here’s something I don’t see shared enough 🌱 Starting with an idea is tough, and most “free tools” lists just recycle the same famous names. Here’s a list of lesser-known, truly useful tools and services that can actually make your life easier without breaking the bank. For product development and prototyping: 💡 Penpot – Open-source design and prototyping platform, fully collaborative 💡 Excalidraw – Hand-drawn style diagrams and wireframes, perfect for brainstorming 💡 Draftbit Free Plan – Build and test mobile apps visually without coding For market research and validation: 💡 Similarweb Free – Basic traffic insights for websites and competitors 💡 QuestionDB – Find questions your target audience is asking online 💡 GWI – Access limited but valuable consumer and tech insights For project management and team collaboration: 💡 Nuclino – Lightweight team wiki, knowledge base, and collaboration tool 💡 ClickUp Free Plan – Flexible task management with docs, boards, and timelines 💡 Taskade Free – Simple collaborative to-do lists and mind maps For coding and MVP development: 💡 Appsmith – Open-source platform for building internal apps fast 💡 Nhost – Backend as a service with a free plan for small apps 💡 Budibase – Low-code platform for internal apps and dashboards For networking, mentorship, and learning: 💡 FounderNest Free – AI-powered startup insights, funding signals, and investor tracking 💡 Micromentor – Connects founders with experienced mentors globally 💡 Startup Resources by R Europe (formerly Seedrs)– Curated free courses and tools for early-stage founders For marketing and growth: 💡 Plausible Analytics Free Trial – Privacy-friendly website analytics alternative 💡 Otter.ai Free Plan – Automatically transcribe meetings, interviews, and user research 💡 SocialBee – Schedule and repurpose content efficiently The recipe for success with free tools: 1. Pick a tool only if it solves a real problem for you. 2. Focus on learning fast, iterating, and validating, not just building. 3. Keep track of what works, early traction and metrics matter more than fancy slides. 4. Share your learnings, helping other founders creates a stronger ecosystem. Scrappiness is a founder superpower ⚡ The right small, obscure tools can save you hours, headaches, and even thousands of dollars. Founders, which hidden gem tools have made your early-stage journey easier?

What themes will keep #IoT vendors and adopters busy in 2025? 🤔 Here are my quick thoughts for 2025 based on recent signals and growing trends: 1️⃣ Edge Computing 🌍 The need to run IoT workloads locally—where data is produced—will grow. Drivers like cost efficiencies, regulations, privacy concerns, unstable connectivity, and latency will push this demand. While the cloud remains critical, cloud-to-edge flows and requests for cloud-like capabilities at the edge will dominate discussions across industries. 2️⃣ Generative AI + IoT (#GenAIoT) 🤖 Combination of #GENAI with IoT will become a thing, in three key areas: • Optimizing #Maintenance: Real-time IoT data + manuals/SOPs = standardized processes, improved worker productivity, faster onboarding, and reduced costs. • New Data #Insights for connected products: Unlock patterns in product usage, user habits, and market trends to drive new revenues. • GENAI at the #Edge: A growing exploration area as businesses seek to understand the what, how, and why. 3️⃣ Data #Foundations 📊 Prioritization to build a proper data foundation , either by modernizing tech stacks or starting fresh, for scalable AI deployments, Digital Twins, data sharing, and simplifying IoT ecosystem collaboration. 4️⃣ Security as #Differentiation 🔒 IoT vendors will invest more in security (a must!) while proactively promoting security features as a competitive advantage. 5️⃣ #Regulation, #Cost Optimization & #Sustainability 🌱 These drivers will fuel IoT adoption in energy, manufacturing, logistics, and the public sector. Expect growing momentum in healthcare, tourism, well-being, and aerospace/defense. 6️⃣ Tech #Synergies & Interoperability 🤝 Combining successfully IoT with Edge, #AI, GENAI, and #Spatial tech can define success. Open ecosystems and interoperability across machines, vendors, and protocols will be critical—especially with AI #Agents needing diverse IoT data inputs. 💬 Do these resonate with your view of IoT themes for 2025? What would you add— #eSIMs, #5G, hardware cost reductions? Let’s discuss! 🚀 One thing is clear: It’s still Day 1 for IoT, with plenty of scaling, but also with exploration ahead. 🥂Cheers to an exciting year for #IoT! #IoT2025 #IoTPredictions #InternetofThings #EdgeComputing #GenerativeAI #iotforall #IoTCouncil IoT For All #DimitriosIoT

10 Mindset Shifts Every Entrepreneur Needs Entrepreneurship isn’t just about building businesses—it’s about building yourself. The right mindset can mean the difference between thriving and just surviving. Here are 10 mindset shifts I wish I embraced earlier on my journey: 1/ Ideas Are Easy, Execution Is Hard ↳ Everyone has ideas; few act on them. ↳ The real magic happens when you turn vision into reality. 2/ Failure Isn’t Final ↳ Every failure is feedback in disguise. ↳ The faster you fail, the faster you grow. 3/ Focus Is Your Superpower ↳ Chasing everything means catching nothing. ↳ Clarity and focus create momentum. 4/ Discomfort Is a Sign of Growth ↳ The greatest breakthroughs happen outside your comfort zone. ↳ Fear is often a compass pointing you where to grow. 5/ Perfection Kills Progress ↳ Done is better than perfect. ↳ Launch messy, learn fast, and improve along the way. 6/ Relationships Are the Real ROI ↳ Business is built on trust and connections. ↳ Nurture your network; your next opportunity is already there. 7/ Money Follows Value ↳ Obsess over solving problems, not making profits. ↳ The more value you create, the more success follows. 8/ Overnight Success Is a Myth ↳ What looks instant often takes years of quiet work. ↳ Success is built daily, not suddenly. 9/ You’re Competing Against Yourself ↳ Comparison is a distraction; focus on your journey. ↳ Aim to be better than you were yesterday. 10/ The Journey Is the Reward ↳ It’s not just about the destination—embrace the process. ↳ Celebrate small wins; they build the big ones. Entrepreneurship is as much about mindset as it is about strategy. You don’t have to master these all at once—but adopting even one can transform your approach to business and life. → Which mindset shift resonates most with you? Drop a comment below! ♻️ Repost to help others level up their entrepreneurial mindset. Also, I’m on a streak to publish daily, and today is Day 5/350 🔥.

If you're an impact startup looking to set up in the UAE, here’s something you should know. I work with many impact-driven entrepreneurs eager to launch or expand in the UAE. But one mistake I see far too often? They try to do it all on their own, overlooking the power of incubators. The UAE has government-backed incubators designed to accelerate startup growth—offering everything from market access and mentorship to investor connections. If you're building a purpose-driven venture, these can be game-changers. Here are four incubators worth exploring: Hub71 (Abu Dhabi) 🔹 Focus: Tech and innovation startups 🔹 Why it matters: A dynamic ecosystem, Hub71 connects startups with investors, corporates, and government entities, providing equity-free incentives, mentorship, and access to global networks. The Authority of Social Contribution - Ma'an (Abu Dhabi) 🔹 Focus: Social impact ventures 🔹 Why it matters: Established by the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an supports mission-driven startups tackling social, cultural, and environmental challenges, helping turn ideas into sustainable businesses. in5 Dubai (Dubai) 🔹 Focus: Tech, media, science and design startups 🔹 Why it matters: Backed by TECOM Group, in5 operates innovation hubs in Dubai Internet City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Science Park and Dubai Design District, offering startups access to creative spaces, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) (Sharjah) 🔹 Focus: Early-stage startups across industries 🔹 Why it matters: Supported by the Sharjah government, Sheraa helps startups access investors, mentorship, and workshops—nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Bottom Line: If you're serious about growing your impact startup in the UAE, don’t overlook these incubators. They can fast-track your success and open doors that would take years to unlock on your own. If you found this useful, share it with someone who needs to see it! #ImpactStartups #UAE #Sustainability #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #PurposeDriven #MENAStartups #BusinessForGood

"Aren’t all accelerators a scam?!" That’s what a wannabe founder asked me yesterday. It’s a fair question. Some accelerators and startup communities are scammy — they promise the world and deliver nothing. But many are legit and genuinely help early-stage founders get started, build, and grow. One reason for the confusion: we started calling everything an “accelerator.” Back in the day, we distinguished between incubators (very early stage) and accelerators (scale stage). Not anymore. So here’s how I recommend looking at them — based on where you are in your founder journey (yes, I love frameworks 😁): Stage 1️⃣ You want to become an entrepreneur. You might have an idea, but no co-founder yet. 👉 Check out Antler or Entrepreneurs First . (I’m biased towards Antler, of course 😄) Stage 2️⃣ You have a team and are working on an idea. You need network, visibility, help with growth and fundraising. 👉 Consider Y Combinator or similar global programs. YC is hard to get into, so shortlist 5–6 that could work for you. 👉 Also look at new state-sponsored accelerators. They take 0 equity, give you financial support, office space, and mentorship. Incredible deal! For example: SIBB’s incubator in Berlin-Brandenburg is awesome. Stage 3️⃣ You’re making money and ready to grow or expand internationally. 👉 Look for specialized, industry-specific programs. For example, German Accelerator offers great market access support. Two final thoughts: 🎓 Accelerators are like universities. Top-tier = high ROI. Random = a certificate and not much else. Choose wisely. 🤔 Do you really need one? You’re trading equity for support and network. Sometimes it’s 100% worth it. Sometimes not — especially if you're a serial founder with a strong network. #startups #startupaccelerator #founder #entrepreneur #vc #growth #fundraising #earlystage