how do you feel when you suddenly discover that a big company has launched a similar new product?

Question

For me, my emotions go through three stages:

1. First, a bit of concern, since this means a certain level of competition.
2. Then, I feel happy, as the fact that others are doing something similar means the demand is more likely to be appreciated by users. 
3. Finally, I become calm, realizing that today's tasks still need to be finished.. haha.

As for action, I would try to reach out to people working on these big companies' projects to see if there are any collaboration opportunities or just to make new connections.

Tony Tong · Accepted Answer

It really depends on your situation.

For an indie hacker or small team, it's a positive signal because the primary risk is usually a lack of market demand. If big companies are entering the space, it means that:
1. You're building something people actually want.
2. You're addressing a market large enough that even bigger players recognize its value.

However, for a VC-backed company, the biggest risk is often execution and competition, not market demand. If you've raised only a few million—an amount that may seem small given the expectations of rapid growth—it could be a red flag. It suggests you might not be scaling fast enough or that your differentiators aren't strong enough to stand out, especially as larger competitors start to emerge.

Praveen chary · Answer

I feel great, because it validates your idea strongly

Cedric · Answer

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."

Answer

It pushes me to focus on what makes my product special. Big players often focus on scale, but I can focus on the details.

Answer

The networking angle is key even if there's competition I can learn and grow by connecting with the right people in the industry

Answer

Honestly, it stings a bit  but it’s also motivating. I look at what they’re doing and think about how I can do it better.

Ashit Vora · Answer

It shows that there's a demand for that.
When Google launched Forms, Jotform was already in the market. Rather than getting demotivated, they doubled down on their marketing efforts.

Feliciana · Answer

On one hand, it’s a bit daunting to face competition from a big company. On the other hand, it validates the importance of the idea we’re working on. It’s a great reminder to stay focused on what makes our product unique and continue improving.

Oksana Chyketa · Answer

This has actually happened to us already! Canva and HubSpot both offer tools that directly overlap with what we do. It wasn't very comforting because they’re giants in the industry with massive user bases. But we’re focusing on what makes us unique—we provide advanced solutions, address gaps they don’t cover; deliver more value to our users. Competing with big players is challenging, but it’s also a great motivator!

Vincent Hager · Answer

I feel a mix of excitement  and anxiety. It’s validation that I’m onto something, but it also means I have to step up my game.

seoyoung oh · Answer

It depends on where I belong, but I don't think it's very threatening. Because the direction we pursue may be different,,

Felix Sattler · Answer

When I discover that a big company has launched a similar product, it’s a mix of excitement and determination. It clearly validates the market need, but it also pushes me to double down on finding and highlighting a unique selling proposition (USP) that sets our product apart.

Competing with a large company can be a hard nut to crack, but focusing on what makes your solution special – no matter if it's personalization, agility, or niche expertise – can turn the competition into a great opportunity to stand out.

Zhiqi Shi · Answer

@oksana_ch different is important.

Answer

That sounds like a great mindset tome! It's natural to feel concerned at first but seeing bigger players in the market validates the demand

LisaPatton · Answer

It can be a bit of a shock, honestly. At first, there might be a mix of surprise and maybe even a little disappointment if you were working on something similar. But then, I try to see it as a sign that we’re on the right track—clearly, there’s demand for this kind of product. It also pushes me to think about what makes our product unique and how we can stand out.

how do you feel when you suddenly discover that a big company has launched a similar new product?

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