After a meteoric rise, LivingSocial has had a tough go recently. Between layoffs, lowered valuations, competitor out-maneuvering, and one of the longest downtimes I’ve ever seen in a consumer site, it’s pretty hard to imagine them fully recovering from this to the grandeur that they used to be. For better or for worse, online forums have been watching, and in some cases even cheering, it’s demise. I’m sure seeing that the support of your local community that once championed you has reversed polarity can only worsen the decrease in morale they’ve been experiencing in the past few months.
I want to thank LivingSocial.
- They showed it was possible to build a wildly successful startup in DC. Not DC meaning Virginia. Downtown DC. If you’ve had a chance to visit their office, you’ll be amazed this is a few blocks from the White House, not the Golden Gate Bridge.
- They built a team of some of the sharpest product talent in the world – and then grew their own via Hungry Academy.
- They inspired the local community – everyone knew someone who works or worked at LivingSocial, and loved it.
- Groups like the DC Tech Meetup, ProudlyMadeInDC, and Foster.ly, while not directly created because of LS, were able to ride the rocketship of enthusiasm over LivingSocial’s early success, and help serve as continuing beacons of entrepreneurial activity in the region.
- The talent created and incubated in LivingSocial’s many offices have and will feed other startups in the area, kickstarting the flywheel of talent that a startup ecosystem so badly needs.
So, LivingSocial, thank you.
And if anyone at LivingSocial (esp. dev/UX/design/sales) is looking for their next opportunity, Contactually would be happy to have you. Email me.