GM. This is Needs to Exist (aka NTE), delivering a startup idea that’ll make your traffic light stops more engaging.

Here’s what we’ve got for you today.

• Daily Idea - Rotating Traffic Light Ads

• Dead Startups - Quibi

Daily Startup Idea

Stop & Watch

The One Liner

Rotating ads that captivate drivers during traffic light stops.

The 140 character tweet (or X) version

Turn every red light into a mini billboard! Rotating ads that change with each stop, grabbing drivers' attention and making every moment at the traffic light count.

The Longer Story Version - That Maybe You Will Read

You’re driving through the city, and just as you approach a red light, something catches your eye. Hanging from the traffic light is a small screen, and on it, a short, colorful ad appears, perfectly timed to grab your attention. It’s quick, catchy, and before you know it, it rotates to another message—something completely different but just as engaging. By the time the light turns green, you've seen a few different ads, each one making the wait at the light more interesting.

These ads don’t just stay static; they rotate with each stop, ensuring that every time you're at the light, there’s something new to see. It’s like a little surprise every time you stop. Instead of just staring at the red light, you find yourself entertained, and maybe even a bit curious about what the next ad will be.

The setup is simple: the screen is attached securely to the traffic light, visible to everyone waiting for the signal to change. It's designed to be eye-catching but not distracting—just the right balance to make sure drivers notice without taking their focus off the road.

In just a few seconds, the ad has done its job. And as you drive away, you're left thinking about the clever messages you just saw, making a typical stop at a traffic light feel a little more fun and engaging.

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The Flops

Not every startup idea turns out to be a success, and some failures weren’t due to bad concepts.

In this discussion, we explore the narratives behind these setbacks and the valuable insights gained from them.

Quibi

The Quick Remark

Quibi, a short-form streaming platform for mobile, failed due to poor timing, competition, and content strategy.

In a Nutshell

Quibi, a mobile-focused streaming service for 10-minute episodes, failed due to timing, stiff competition from established platforms, and a content strategy that didn't resonate with users.

The Big Scoop

Quibi was a short-form streaming service launched in April 2020 by Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman. It aimed to deliver "quick bites" of entertainment with episodes under 10 minutes, targeting mobile users on the go. Despite raising $1.75 billion and attracting big-name stars, Quibi struggled to gain traction.

Several factors contributed to its failure. Launching during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the need for mobile-first content, as people were stuck at home. Additionally, Quibi faced tough competition from established streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube. Its content strategy, which split shows into short episodes, failed to resonate with users. High costs and a lack of differentiation further hindered its success.

Just six months after its launch, Quibi shut down in October 2020, becoming one of the most notable startup failures in recent years. Its story offers lessons in market timing, product-market fit, and adapting to unforeseen circumstances.

One More Meme