The Analyst
Knowledge Producers
Understands patterns, evaluates technologies and markets
The Analyst produces deep, structured analysis for specialist audiences — not explanation for the general public, but rigorous evaluation for decision-makers. In hype cycles, credible independent analysis is scarce, making it one of the most durable roles: skeptical analysis actually increases in value during busts when everyone needs to understand what happened.
How it earns
Employment at VC or research firms; subscription-based research products; advisory fees from institutional clients.
How it fails
'Independent' analysis funded by the very projects being analyzed. Benchmark reports commissioned by model providers with predetermined conclusions. Research as marketing disguised as research.
Real examples across cycles
Linux / Open Source
- Gartner/IDC analysts tracking Linux server share
- the 451 Group
- Tim O'Reilly (who framed 'Open Source' as a market category)
Crypto
- Messari (Ryan Selkis)
- Delphi Digital
- Chainalysis research team
AI
- SemiAnalysis
- Stratechery (Ben Thompson)
- Epoch AI
People who play this role
Your first step
Write a rigorous analysis on one specific topic — and publish it publicly today.
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