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Forward Deployed Technologists for Unsexy Industries

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In today's post-ZIRP(zero-interest-rate-policy) tech world, it's easy to get caught up in building the next AI app (wrapper?) or a shiny new SaaS platform (agent?). But a tweet really hit home for me:

This message is a wake-up call, pushing us to look beyond the trendy digital spaces and focus on industries that are often overlooked but full of potential.

Why Focus on Unsexy Industries?

Unsexy industries like manufacturing ($7Trillion), logistics ($2T), construction ($2T), professional services ($2T), insurance ($1.6T), agriculture ($1.5T), utilities ($1.1T), govtech ($500bn), and supply chain ($29bn), logging, mining, agriculture, food processing, telecom, chemicals, packaging, metallurgy, and water utilities are the backbone of our economy1. Despite their crucial importance, these sectors often don't get the tech attention they deserve. Here's why diving into these industries makes sense:

  1. Huge Potential: Many of these industries still use outdated systems. Modern technology can revolutionize their operations, making them safer, more efficient, and more profitable2.

  2. Big Impact: Tech innovations here can lead to significant societal benefits, from boosting food security with advanced farming tech to enhancing sustainability in mining and water utilities.

  3. Less Competition: Unlike the crowded markets of consumer apps and digital services, unsexy industries offer plenty of room for new players to make a real difference.

Overcoming the Challenges

A common concern is that young technologists don't have much exposure to these industries:

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This is valid, but there are ways to tackle it:

1. Gain Firsthand Experience

Y Combinator teaches that founders are more likely to succeed if they're solving problems they truly understand. To really grasp these industries:

  • Undercover Roles: Take on jobs within these sectors to see how things work from the inside. Whether it's working on a farm, in a fulfillment center, or in the IT department of a manufacturing plant, firsthand experience is invaluable.

  • Talk to People: Engage with owners, managers, and workers to discover the challenges they face and where tech could help.

2. Start a Research and Engineering Team

I'm currently exploring this new project: forming a dedicated team focused on exploring and solving problems within unsexy industries, similar to Palantir's Forward Deployed Engineers.

  • Field Research: Visit farms, refineries, trucking dispatch centers, and other facilities to gather insights firsthand.

  • Develop Solutions: Create products that address specific needs, ensuring they are practical and impactful.

By assembling a team of technologists who are willing to immerse themselves in these industries, we can uncover hidden challenges and opportunities that are not apparent from the outside. This approach allows us to build solutions that are tailored to the actual needs of the industry, increasing the chances of making a meaningful impact. If you're interested in joining me on this journey, let's connect and collaborate to make a real difference.

3. Leverage Existing Opportunities

If landing an undercover job is tough, begin by researching and engineering solutions based on interviews and observations:

  • Case Study Example: I recently applied to be a Inventory Associate at a local warehouse and got an offer, but couldn't take the job due to scheduling conflicts. Instead, I accepted a night IT position. Working in their IT department has already sparked ideas for solutions to automate their warehouse operational challenges.
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