Chasm

What is the Chasm?

The chasm refers to a gap in the technology adoption lifecycle that startups must cross to transition from early adopters to mainstream customers. This concept, popularized by Geoffrey Moore’s book ‘Crossing the Chasm,’ highlights the challenges of reaching the larger, risk-averse market after achieving success with early adopters. Successfully crossing the chasm is crucial for scaling a business.

Strategies for Crossing the Chasm

• Niche Targeting: Focus on a specific market segment to build a strong initial customer base.
• Product Refinement: Ensure the product is fully developed and addresses mainstream customer needs.
• Customer Testimonials: Leverage success stories from early adopters to gain credibility with mainstream users.

Related Terms and Concepts

Early adopters, mainstream market, product-market fit, scaling