Vladislav Baskakov

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On November 20, 2016, VB commented on J.P. Morgan Chase and the Rise of the Machines :

That’s an interesting trend indeed! I see more and more banks outsourcing IT development, investing in fin-tech startups and acquiring successful solutions all over the world. I know several fin-tech companies that use social network activities as such “sensors”. They monitor your friends, personal info and geo information to help banks in making credit decisions. I guess such data collection is not regulated right now.

On November 20, 2016, VB commented on Prepare for Takeoff: Digital Farming with Drones :

Interesting! Several years ago my friends had a startup doing lots of that by using satellite photos. Now drones can do even more – they can distribute anything over the field! Great idea indeed!

On November 20, 2016, VB commented on GS Bank: Goldman Sachs’ Online Retail Banking Business :

Thanks! It’s interesting! There are several successful direct banks (ING Direct, Tinkoff, Ally Bank) that also don’t have physical branches. Usually they start with a single product (e.g. credit card) and then increase the product portfolio with 1-3 banking products every year. They also make partnerships with ATMs,so that you can easily use their products all over the world. What’s the case of GS Bank? Are they going to expand further becoming a classic direct bank? Or is it a completely new model?

Thanks Pat! What about safety, especially in rainy season? Do the motorcycles have the higher accidents rate? For me it would be the main factor preventing from using Uber Moto.

On November 20, 2016, VB commented on Uber’s Bet on Self-Driving Car :

Interesting! Looking at Boston Uber Pool pricing I am a bit concerned that even if they replace the drivers with autonomous cars, it will be still far from breakeven:) One open question for me here is who will own the fleet – Car manufacturers? Uber? Private users?

Thanks Pasha! I think the unique position of Chipotle is it’s vertical integration that provides them lots of control on their supplies. Taking into account potential climate change it may become a great disadvantage. While other fast foods can easily switch suppliers, Chipotle becomes extremely vulnerable to anything happening on their fields. I wonder if they are making efforts in diversifying their supply chain? Also it may be hard, since natural products are already the part of Chipotle value proposition

On November 8, 2016, VB commented on Tesla’s $7 Billion Climate Change Problem? :

Thanks for the article!
One more effect on the demand side Tesla can face – it’s inability to work due to changing climate conditions. Internet is full of complaints about Tesla work in Northern Countries. Ironically, at the same time Tesla became the most selling car in Norway, where even the slightest climate change can push Tesla cars to its limits.

I think agriculture is a great area for start ups like the one in that text. Personally I’ve heard of a great number of startups trying to solve that problem with either drones or private satellites. But collecting data is only one part of the equation. There is a great potential in analyzing that data, predicting the future climate change and suggesting the solutions to solve probably one of these most significant problems of the future.

On November 7, 2016, VB commented on Sunny Days Ahead for SolarCity? :

The introduction of solar roof was a great step towards sustainable communities. I believe Elon is building an ecosystem with cars, power savers and roofs not only for cost synergies. Just imagine how easy it becomes to sell these product if you promote the total savings per household from using less gas and electricity. Yet its just the beginning. Shared economy will increase customer savings even further when you will be able to share your electricity with neighbors and rent your self driving car while it is idle.

Thanks for the post!
In general I believe in all in-store initiative since they directly impact the store P&L. From my experience of retail cost-cutting projects, utilities can be reduced up to 30%. Some of these initiatives, like store lighting, are quite easy to implement, while others, like temperature control, require involvement of real estate owners and may take longer time.
On the other hand – I don’t fully believe that they will scale organic cotton idea. Taking into account cotton prices and pace of the new styles getting to the market, i believe this initiative can significantly increase the prices. Though they can do it for some basic styles that constitute up to 25% of Zara sales.