Success and Failure\n\nThe pandemic has been a game-changer for many companies, catapulting some to success while leaving others in limbo. While some companies have been able to sustain their pandemic-era popularity, others have struggled to maintain their momentum. One such example is Zoom, which saw a surge in popularity during the pandemic but is now facing intense competition and a decline in revenue and net income.\n\nAccording to Dave Mawhinney, executive director at Carnegie Mellon’s Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, Zoom’s success during the pandemic was due to its lack of competition. As people return to in-person work and socializing, the company is facing intense competition from other video conferencing platforms. This has resulted in a decline in revenue and net income for the company.\n\nSimilarly, DoorDash, which saw a significant increase in demand for its food delivery services during the pandemic, has been able to sustain its success by expanding into new categories such as groceries and alcohol. This has helped improve the company’s unit economics and profitability.\n\nOn the other hand, ShiftKey, a startup that connects healthcare professionals with open shifts at nearby hospitals, has been able to sustain its pandemic-era success by expanding into new markets and experiencing a significant increase in scheduled hours. This has resulted in the company’s valuation of $2 billion and a successful funding round amid a difficult VC market.\n\nThe pandemic has brought both success and failure to many companies, highlighting the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and identifying essential needs. Companies that have been able to do so have been able to sustain their success, while others have struggled to keep up with the changing market. As the pandemic continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how companies navigate these challenges and continue to thrive.\n\n”