# #047 - RERUN - How next-generation retail looks like, with Vibhu Norby of b8ta, USA

- Show: [The Hardware Entrepreneur](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur)
- Published: 2018-01-31
- Length: 38m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-01-31-047-rerun-how-next-generation-retail-looks-like-with-vibhu-norby-of-b8ta-usa
- Listen: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thehardwareentrepreneur/047_-_RERUN_-_How_next-generation_retail_looks_like_with_Vibhu_Norby_of_b8ta_USA.mp3

## Summary

Vibhu Norby, co-founder of b8ta, explains how his software-powered retail platform addresses the conflict of interest between hardware brands and traditional retailers. He details b8ta's four-step customer journey analytics—impressions, discovery, demo, and sales—and contrasts this with the slow, margin-heavy traditional retail model. Norby also discusses the validation process for b8ta, noting the mistake of failing to secure Letters of Intent, and shares lessons on planning for success to avoid operational bottlenecks during early scaling.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-01-31-047-rerun-how-next-generation-retail-looks-like-with-vibhu-norby-of-b8ta-usa#t=0) Introduction: Vibhu Norby and b8ta's mission
- [3:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-01-31-047-rerun-how-next-generation-retail-looks-like-with-vibhu-norby-of-b8ta-usa#t=226) Why brick-and-mortar is failing and b8ta's solution
- [6:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-01-31-047-rerun-how-next-generation-retail-looks-like-with-vibhu-norby-of-b8ta-usa#t=404) Vibhu's experience at Nest and identifying the retail conflict
- [13:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-01-31-047-rerun-how-next-generation-retail-looks-like-with-vibhu-norby-of-b8ta-usa#t=822) Validating the b8ta idea and the LOI mistake
- [17:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-01-31-047-rerun-how-next-generation-retail-looks-like-with-vibhu-norby-of-b8ta-usa#t=1023) Differentiation from competitors and software focus
- [20:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-01-31-047-rerun-how-next-generation-retail-looks-like-with-vibhu-norby-of-b8ta-usa#t=1229) Paying makers 100% of sales and speed to market
- [24:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-01-31-047-rerun-how-next-generation-retail-looks-like-with-vibhu-norby-of-b8ta-usa#t=1468) The four-step customer journey analytics
- [25:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-01-31-047-rerun-how-next-generation-retail-looks-like-with-vibhu-norby-of-b8ta-usa#t=1547) Planning for success and early operational mistakes

## Topics

- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- b8ta (company)
- Nest (company)
- Apple Store (product)
- Best Buy (company)
- JCPenney (company)
- Macy's (company)
- Sears (company)
- RadioShack (company)
- Salesforce (tool)
- Phil Rob (other)
- Benjamin Ertl (other)
- Bulletin (company)
- Colony (company)
- Backer Stores (company)
- Lowe's (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [094: How New Startup Products Get Into Big Retailers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2021-09-22-094-how-new-startup-products-get-into-big-retailers) (Product Startup)
- [183: Getting a New Hardware Product into Retail Stores](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2023-07-07-183-getting-a-new-hardware-product-into-retail-stores) (Product Startup)
- [141: Product Sales Process for Hardware Startups](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2022-09-14-141-product-sales-process-for-hardware-startups) (Product Startup)
- [111: Selling & Growing Your Product at Retail Stores](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2022-01-26-111-selling-growing-your-product-at-retail-stores) (Product Startup)
- [080: How to Maximize Your Product's Sales in Retail Stores](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2021-06-16-080-how-to-maximize-your-products-sales-in-retail-stores) (Product Startup)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-01-31-047-rerun-how-next-generation-retail-looks-like-with-vibhu-norby-of-b8ta-usa. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to The Hardware Entrepreneur.