My list of Startups that are going to be huge in 2012 are:
1) Our company, Circle. If I didn’t 1oo% believe this, I’d be doing something else.
2) Pinterest – I haven’t seen such an engaged online community of women (who overwhelmingly account for purchase decisions) since Gilt and Pinterest is much more powerful as it is more authentic and engaging.
3) Square – This was on my list last year. It is a no brainer.
4) Nest – Tony Fadell is a genius and amazing product guy who learned directly from Jobs. The thermostat is just the beginning. They are going to make big waves in the home appliance market.
5) Simple – This one is a huge hope as I desperately need online banking that works.
6) Trialpay – CEO Alex Rampell is damn bright. They could very well IPO in 2012 or soon thereafter.
7) MinoMonsters – Watch Josh Buckley over the next 15 years and be amazed. This could be the next Angry Birds.
8) Lookout – Mobile security is going to become more and more important.
9) Andreessen-Horowitz – Although, I believe they have already done it, pretty much everyone else will agree that they are the number one Venture Capital firm in existence. They will be able to get almost any deal they want (besides ones where other firms are paying leaps and bounds more) and will consistently be the entrepreneurs’ first choice.
