fbFund Winners, Some Killer Apps

Posted on | November 1, 2008 |

Facebook is actively expanding platform functionality launching Facebook Connect and free classifieds in May, 2008 and redoubling efforts to build a music service in October, 2008. All point the way to a more robust platform.

Then, on October 15th 2008, Facebook announced 25 winners of its fbFund $25,000 application developer grants. Each is entered to win a further $250,000 grant. The cost of admission, fbFund investors have right of first refusal should the firms subsequently raise capital on their ideas. Taken together, and individually, these fbFund winning apps illustrate Facebook’s expansion desires. So, let’s look at our top picks in a bit more detail:

Half are killer

Why? They’re different from broader internet applications. They leverage social media including user-generated content, the wisdom of crowds, and network communications or provide the “picks & shovels” for others to do so. Just as importantly, they either address a Facebook shortcoming or leverage uniquely Facebook attributes such as its college-heavy user base.

Puts Users to Work Generating Content

Check My Campus - Allows college students to share photos, videos, posts about all aspects of campus life. Enables potential applicants to go beyond brochure-ware.
GroupCard - Enables friends to celebrate any occasion by signing the same online card. Each one can add a message, photos, audio, and even make a gift contribution.

Frees The Wisdom of Crowds (Think Amazon, Netflix)

Bottle Rocket - Pick the perfect bottle of wine. Users can compare and rate wines with friends. Bottle Rocket then analyzes those ratings to make informed recommendations.
Pongr - Mobile price comparison service that lets you check prices online and at nearby stores and share products with fellow Facebookers.

Provides Picks & Shovels For Others To Innovate

Kontagent - Social network application analytics platform. Claims to offer an on-demand service for social data visualization and analysis.
Wildfire - Companies create branded promotions that are automatically integrated with Facebook’s social features.

Leverages Facebooks Scale To Build Value

Koofers - Students create and share class information including old tests and study guides. They can view grade distributions, rate and review professors and get help from fellow students.
Teach the People - Teachers share their expertise, allowing their knowledge to go viral, attract an audience, and be monetized. Students get access to high quality, low cost education.

Network Communications Eliminate Work

Black Drumm - Users organize events with friends. Application coordinates offline activities eliminating email chains, spreadsheets, etc
Socialfly - Users write notes about people, set reminders, and plan activities together.

Addresses Facebook Segment or Shortcoming

Game Creators - Users design their own shooter, platform, racing, or other games to personalize and play themselves or share with friends.
ProfessionalProfile - Leverages a user’s existing social connections to create a professional network.

What about the rest?
While the rest fall short of my, subjective criteria, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Having said that, with the recent, highly targeted app release on LinkedIn, Google’s OpenSocial initiative and Yahoo’s Social Developer Program, there’s no time like the present to focus more on utility and less on throwing cows.

As it’s easy to be critical and harder to be constructive, in my next post I’ll venture my “Top 10 Facebook Apps Wish List”. What criteria / apps would you add?

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