The Back Cover-July 16, 2020

Believe it or not, but many innovative companies were formed in challenging economic times. This week I am focusing on where innovation is taking place in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. I found this fascinating and I think you will too.

A pandemic-inspired start-up is turning boring videoconferences into ‘Twitch for olds’ (CNBC)

Mmhmm is new beta software that makes it easy to add visual effects and other production to videocalls.
It has raised 4.5 million in seed funding from investors including Sequoia Capital and is led by tech industry veteran Phil Libin.
It’s is one of the first examples of a new Silicon Valley start-up launching a consumer product inspired by the pandemic.

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Crisis Has Jump-Started America’s Innovation Engine. What Took So Long? (Wall Street Journal)

Chances are there is a company within short driving distance from where you are that has recently gotten into the personal protection equipment business. I know, because my inbox is flooded with pitches from their PR agencies.

Eclipse International, a New Jersey bedding maker, and Aunt Flow, an Ohio-based tampon producer, are among them. They’re making face masks using materials, factories or supply chains used for mattresses or maxi pads.

British vacuum-cleaner giant Dyson Inc. designed the CoVent ventilator in 10 days and is one of several industrial heavyweights committing to make thousands of them. Pittsburgh’s Thar Process Inc., a carbon dioxide extraction and purification company, is bottling a new hand sanitizer that a staff chemist ginned up practically overnight.

Corporations world-wide have moved fast in the fight against new coronavirus. It’s laudable. And, to be honest, it’s a bit perplexing.

If these companies can suddenly pivot on a dime in a crisis, why are so many of them flat-footed in ordinary times?

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