The Rise of the Superfan

Superfans spend 80% more than the average customer and Goldman Sachs values their market at $4.5 billion. They don’t just buy - they pay for access, connection and status.

Take Aliens Expanded, a 5-hour documentary including interviews with James Cameron, Sigourney Weaver and the cast of the movie, Aliens. Its investor-crowdfunded campaign exploded. Its backers worked on the project. It customers ensured it sold out. They were all the same people. (You can hear the story of CREATORVC founder Robin Block on my podcast. Disclosure, I am an advisor).

Superfans don’t just buy - they build their identities around brands and in this market, it is the few who drive the many.

Win your superfans and they’ll do the rest.

What you need to know

Lean Startups Lead $100M+ Tech Acquisitions in 2025

In Q1 2025, tech companies acquired for $100 million or more had a median headcount of just 100 employees, highlighting a trend toward leaner operations.

Too many agents, not enough business

The AI agent market is a zoo, with over 170 startups across 26 categories, each building specialised digital helpers. But with so many players, most will fall over - either acquired or crushed as powerful AI models like GPT absorb their functions. Yes, you can build these fast, but there is no time window to get to market before the major platforms issue updates that swallow these businesses. << AI will eat AI.

Gen AI Adoption: Slower Than Expected <<Mckinsey 

McKinsey says generative AI isn’t taking off as fast as expected, but its impact is set to quadruple every two years. Adoption will vary by industry, but AI-supported operations are inevitable, just at different speeds it says. <<Tempering the hype.

Taste the Virtual: Flavour Comes to VR

Researchers have developed a device that lets users experience taste in virtual reality, with flavours like cake now simulated without real food. This could enhance gaming, virtual tourism and online shopping.

Growth Blockers

Finally, the Tollejo Growth Blockers Report is set to return. We will be asking business leaders what's in their way and what can be done. <<Oh, look. The FT has now gone and done one…Originality.

That's all for this week. Go and check out Greenbang if you want to read more.

Have a great weekend

Dan

Dan Ilett writes The Executive Summary

"The objective is to shift the narrative to increase revenue. I work with the CEO to design that narrative and senior teams to take it into market. To date, these narratives have resulted in $750m+ in total new revenue for clients and a number of liquidity events."