2020
Reflections, Predictions, and Goals
As the year draws to a close, I wanted to share some reflections on 2019, some predictions for the year ahead, and my goals for 2020.
Reflections
Wow, what a decade! It’s unbelievable how much we all have achieved and how much we’ve changed personally, professionally, and how technology is truly at the centre of everything we do.
2019 was a tough year for many and mine was no exception. Despite this, Keegan Ventures is growing from both consulting engagements and the number of angel investments completed (with a few still in DD that I anticipate closing by February).
I completed 33 trips this year and had some incredible experiences with teams of diverse backgrounds and cultures. I grew up in the world of aviation, flying planes from 14, and I love the fact that it’s very much apart of my working life to this day.
2019 Travel Stats
187 Days
294,623 km
35 Cities
14 Countries
In the latter half of the year, I was fortunate enough to spend time (as part of my 1% pledge) with early-stage founders and support the SouthStart conference - a week-long must-attend event in Adelaide.
Outside of work, I followed more blogs, attended more early-stage meetups, and continued to learn Russian (still very much at tourist level).
Predictions
As we look at the past decade it’s incredible where society is now and how fast it is moving but I think the next 10 years will innovate and push the boundaries even further.
Below is just a few thoughts on what 2020 could be in store for us in no particular order.
Remote - I’m still big on this mode of working and think it will continue in 2020 as more millennials push for flexibility in their career pursuits. Dubai has followed Estonia’s lead and set up a similar program to the E-Residency Visa program and I think more forward-thinking countries will follow in 2020.
Want to know more about remote work? Follow Andreas Klinger.
Cryptocurrency - I see Bitcoin and Top 10 Alts recovering in 2020. Bitcoin, in particular, has had a pretty good few months with more transactions (setting a record) and more volume. Recently Wall Street players State Street and Fidelity are now confirmed in the space.
Want to know more about cryptocurrency? Follow Anthony Pompliano
Tesla - A lot of people doubt Elon but he always delivers (even though he is usually late). Tesla will beat all expectations in 2020 and have a monster year. I think they’re much further along with the Autopilot software too.
Follow Elon to keep updated and be frequently entertained.
Afterpay - It was my favourite listed startup of 2019. It has transformed the layby game for this century and I see no signs of it stopping. Millennials are now focussed on cash, not credit, more than ever and this is one startup that affords them cashflow without any interest. A gamechanger that will see huge growth in 2020 (across the US, UK and here at home) as well as neo-banks like Up.
Follow their announcements & reporting governance here.
Vaping - A lot of people have attacked the space this year but it will prove it’s not public enemy No 1 and will reduce overall smoking rates, governments will follow the support of the UK NHS, Heart Foundation, and Cancer Council and back it.
Want to know more about Vaping? Follow Legalise Vaping Australia.
US Election - Trump will remain in office until the election and he will be re-elected with a majority in both the House and the Senate following a disastrous campaign by Democrats to remove him. Unfortunately, the Democrats have no clear leader or clear policies to convince the fly-over states to swap sides.
Want to know more about US Politics? Follow FiveThirtyEight.
VC - A lot of early teams in Uber, Airbnb, Paypal, Palantir are now angels or have active syndicates investing in the startups of tomorrow. Instead of joining a traditional VC they are creating their own micro funds with very specialised niches like side hustles, work saas tools, remote, etc. This will be big in 2020 and definitely one to watch.
Andrew Chen covered this well here.
View the funds and people I’m watching with interest here.
Startups - My standouts for 2020
Superhuman - Email
Pitch - Presentations
Up - Australian Digital Bank
Woven - Calendar App
Cocoon - Facebook Alternative
2020 Goals
I recently spent time learning about myself to find out what motivates me, what client work I want to do more of, and most importantly what my purpose truly is in this life.
In 2020, I want fewer clients but longer consulting engagements and to be able to do more early-stage angel investing.
On the personal front, I want to learn/read more (especially in sectors I have little knowledge in), restart my podcast (on disruption and tech), and focus on my network of people I’ve met along the way with more regular check-ins, more informal catch-ups, and a better system to manage that process (hopefully with the help of Folk).
