This week’s podcast is about how to assess specialty companies within enterprise software and services. And about Tuya, which an interesting example of a specialty B2B play.

You can listen to this podcast here or at iTunes and Google Podcasts.

Here is my new book (released December 1):

• Moats and Marathons (Part 1): How to Build and Measure Competitive Advantage in Digital Businesses Kindle Edition

Here are my 5 questions (thus far) for assessing the viability of a specialty ecommerce company.

1. Is the company sufficiently differentiated in the user experience? Or did they just get there first?
2. Can the company compete and/or differentiate in logistics or infrastructure without ongoing spending?
3. Does the company have a strong competitive advantage in a circumscribed market?
4. Is there a clear path to significant operational cash flow?
5. Has the company avoided markets and situations that are attractive or strategic for the major ecommerce companies?

My 6 Levels of Digital Competition

Level 2: Digital Operating Basics

Here are my 5 questions (thus far) for assessing the viability of a specialty enterprise company.

1. Is the company sufficiently differentiated in the user experience? Or did they just get there first?
2. Can the company compete and/or differentiate in sales / marketing or R&D without ongoing spending?
3. Does the company have a strong competitive advantage in a circumscribed market?
   1. Pay attention to DOB1 and DOB4 for operating performance
   2. Pay attention to switching costs and standardization network effects for structural advantages
4. Is there a clear path to significant operational cash flow?
5. Has the company avoided markets and situations that are attractive or strategic for the major enterprise companies?
   1. Pay attention to hierarchies of control.

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I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.

I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.

My book series Moats and Marathons is one-of-a-kind framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.

Note: This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. Investing is risky. Do your own research.