Zoom — Leonard wouldn't ship this

Today's victim is Zoom. "One platform to connect" — because apparently video calls weren't enough, so they decided to add chat, docs, phone systems, contact centers, AI assistants, and probably a coffee machine. They've become the startup equivalent of a Swiss Army knife designed by a committee that never met. | When building horizontal products, "when you try to do something for everyone, you don't get it right for any one" — that's exactly what's happening here. They're cramming meetings, chat, phone, contact centers, and AI into one offering, becoming mediocre at everything instead of great at video calls. | Here's a reality check — one startup tried to disrupt Alteryx's "Windows-only, clunky desktop application" that still generated "a billion dollars in annual revenue." Just because Zoom feels dated doesn't mean customers will switch, but just because customers stay doesn't mean the platform makes sense. Sources from Lenny's Newsletter and Podcast: What is good retention? (Newsletter), How to increase your product's retention (Newsletter), Why marketplaces fail (Newsletter), 5 questions to ask when your product stops growing | Jason Cohen (2x unicorn founder) (Podcast)