Craig Campbell is one of those rare breeds that walk away from the allure of investor money for Artificial Intelligence (AI) ventures. Instead, he decided to build a website. This might seem odd, considering Campbell’s background. He is a former engineer at Meta and a savvy tech entrepreneur who launched a successful e-commerce tool for Shopify back in 2022.
With a successful venture under his belt, Campbell had venture capitalists ready to pour money into any new idea he’d conceive. “I had my prior VC investors breathing down my neck, going ‘start something else. We’ll write you a blank check.'”, he recollects. But Campbell had different plans. Instead of diving into AI like everyone else, he swam against the tide and decided to venture into a dying industry: website creation.
Opting to launch a website amidst the rumblings of the ‘Google Zero’ event horizon does seem counterintuitive. The Google Zero phenomenon refers to the scenario when all clicks from a Google search are corralled by Google-owned properties, leaving none for other websites. Despite the impending circumstances, Campbell embarked on his unique journey.
The concept of his website, Past Maps, is simple, yet enthralling. It overlays historical maps onto current geographic visuals, providing a unique perspective on how cities have morphed over time. A mere glance at the interface takes one on a fascinating journey through the annals of history.
Campbell firmly believes in the value of his site, going against the grain of AI and venturing into the challenging field of web development. His story reflects the broader narrative of technological entrepreneurship, which can often involve esoteric paths and bold gambles. Amidst the rush to capitalise on AI and other emerging technologies, Campbell’s journey is a refreshing change of pace.
