Happy Thursday! We are trying something a little new this week with the format. As this is our fourth edition of the XLA, we are learning as we’re building. In addition to writing style, that also means still trying to discover the right niche for the consumer to follow and talk about. Let us know what you think!

Digital Alchemy: Transforming traditional communities into immersive, transformative ecosystems that redefine digital engagement.

Another Subscription: Finn is bringing car subscription models to local markets and soon the world

Same Day Returns: Sway secures $19.5 million to transform delivery and returns into an enhanced, brand-integrated shopper experience.

Fortifying iPhone Security: Apple's latest shield against theft, Stolen Device Protection in iOS 17.3

Nostalgia Meets Streaming: What new becomes old and whats old becomes new. Netlix is the new cable.

Digital Alchemy

In the ever-evolving digital landscape of 2024, a notable trend emerges as the hidden goldmine: internet memberships, outshining traditional online communities. While most internet communities have become inactive, a select few are achieving astonishing success, with revenues soaring to 7 to 9 figures annually, marking them as the unsung heroes in the digital space.

The shift from physical to digital interaction during the pandemic laid the foundation for this transformation, with platforms like Facebook Groups, Discord, and Clubhouse experiencing unprecedented growth. However, the initial monetization strategies, primarily through exclusive access fees, faced retention challenges as people craved real-life experiences post-pandemic.

The real game-changer has been the evolution from mere communities to comprehensive memberships. Unlike the basic community model, successful memberships offer a rich tapestry of benefits including exclusive content, discounts, real-life events, and digital assets, turning them into holistic ecosystems. What truly distinguishes these memberships is their ability to foster a strong sense of identity and facilitate a transformational journey for members, turning engagement into a transformative experience.

As we progress through 2024, the rise of internet memberships is not just a trend but a paradigm shift, with the community itself becoming the product, offering a transformative and immersive experience. This evolution represents the new frontier of digital engagement, where joining means evolving and belonging to something greater than oneself.

Credit to Greg Isenberg | Read More Here

Another Subscription, Your Car

Munich-based startup Finn is steering a new course in the auto industry with its innovative car subscription platform. After securing €100 million in a Series C round, valuing the company at €600 million, Finn is accelerating into the future with a fleet predominantly comprising electric vehicles.

Amidst the tumultuous journey of car subscription services, Finn differentiates itself by leveraging data science and e-commerce efficiency to streamline the customer experience. Offering all-inclusive subscriptions with a diverse range of new cars, the company boasts annualized recurring revenues of €160 million, primarily from the German market.

While establishing its presence in the U.S., Finn aims to transform the car ownership model, offering an array of services through a seamless app experience, minimizing the need for human interaction and integrating connected car technologies for enhanced diagnostics and services. As it gears up for expansion, Finn's focus on sustainability, customer-centricity, and technological innovation positions it at the forefront of redefining mobility.

Credit to Tech Crunch | Read More Here

Same Day Delivery And Returns

Sway, stepping up in the e-commerce arena, has secured $19.5 million in Series A funding to enhance its "customer-centric" delivery and returns platform. Aiming to be more than a delivery service, Sway positions itself as an integral part of a brand's experience, offering efficient next-day and two-day deliveries, convenient doorstep returns, and real-time SMS communication.

With its innovative approach, Sway boasts an impressive on-time performance rate and significantly improves brand partners' metrics in lost package rates, repeat purchases, and return costs. This funding round, led by 7GC & Co., bolsters Sway's mission to transform the traditional e-commerce returns process into a seamless, shopper-friendly journey.

Credit Pymnts | Read More Here

Apple Fortifies iPhone Security

Apple's introduction of Stolen Device Protection in iOS 17.3 marks a significant advancement in mobile security. This feature, a response to rising incidents of iPhone thefts and subsequent unauthorized access to sensitive information, fortifies device security by mandating biometric authentication for critical actions like viewing iCloud Keychain passwords, applying for Apple Card, or making Safari purchases.

It also imposes a one-hour security delay for sensitive Apple ID and device settings changes, enhancing protection against potential misuse. Available for iPhone XS and later models, this opt-in feature represents Apple's proactive stance in safeguarding user data against sophisticated theft and unauthorized access scenarios.

Credit Mac Rumors | Read More Here

Nostalgia Meets Streaming

As Netflix navigates the icy terrains of the streaming market, its top selections, reminiscent of a bygone era of blockbusters, signal a strategic shift. This change is crystallized by the acquisition of WWE Monday Night Raw and the notable departure of a key executive, suggesting a move away from award-winning originals towards a more familiar, cable-like content strategy.

While this pivot potentially solidifies Netflix’s position in the ad-driven market, it raises questions about its future in a fiercely competitive landscape where niche, high-quality content reigns supreme and pricing strategies could dictate subscriber loyalty. As the streaming giant repositions its content lineup, the industry watches closely to see if this strategy will fortify its dominance or encourage viewers to explore the curated offerings of its rivals.

Credit To The Verge | Read More Here

Other Interesting Stories

Disney Has A VR Solution: HoloTile - an extremely clever and elegant solution to VR

Apple Vision Pro Missing Apps: Ben Thompson illustrates what is needed for Apple’s new product to really take off

Thank You For Reading

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