People Marketplaces are a lot like eBay — connecting buyer and seller — but for services, says a16z General Partner Jeff Jordan. These two-sided marketplaces are cropping up across the economy, from finding a ride to house cleaning and pet sitting. Now Instacart is bringing the People Marketplace model to the grocery business — a massive market that has seen very little change even as the internet and mobile have upended most retail categories. Joined by a16z’s Sam Gerstenzang, this segment outlines the elements of a People Marketplace; why the model is gathering momentum now; and if we all remember what happened with Webvan, why is this time is different?
June 16, 2014