Data Structure Creates Value

Shaan Puri shares his perspective on how businesses can create value by simply organizing and structuring freely available information, making it more accessible to users. He uses examples of labor law posters and water quality reports to illustrate how companies can build profitable businesses around free information.

Key Points:

• Value Creation Through Organization:

  • Free information can be monetized by making it more accessible
  • Companies succeed by simplifying compliance and access to data
  • Users often willing to pay for convenience over finding free alternatives

• Business Opportunities Are Everywhere:

  • Success isn't about rare, hard-to-find ideas
  • Every object and service exists because someone saw a need
  • Million-dollar opportunities are often "hidden in plain sight"

• Real World Example - Labor Law Posters:

  • Posters are freely available on government websites
  • Companies make millions selling these free materials
  • Success comes from:
    • Creating awareness
    • Making access easy
    • Using fear of non-compliance
    • High margins on simple product

• Real World Example - Water Quality Reports:

  • Built $500k/year business from free government data
  • Charges $45-50 annual subscription
  • Growth strategy:
    • Starts with free reports
    • Adds independent testing
    • Uses viral TikTok content for marketing
    • Combines affiliate revenue with subscriptions

• Key Success Factors:

  • Simplify complex processes
  • Make information easily accessible
  • Add value through organization and presentation
  • Create recurring revenue from free information