In a highly anticipated session at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, the founders of 01 Advisors—Adam Bain, Dick Costolo, and David Fischer—took to the Builders Stage to share their groundbreaking insights on the future of social media.
Held from October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, this annual tech summit continues to be a pivotal platform for industry leaders to discuss emerging trends and strategies.
The Evolution of Social Media: From Twitter to Tomorrow
With their collective experience scaling Twitter and Meta into global giants, the trio offered a unique perspective on what comes after these iconic platforms.
Their discussion highlighted how the social media landscape has shifted dramatically since the early days of Twitter's 140-character limit and Meta's focus on connecting friends and family.
They emphasized that user expectations have evolved, with demands for authenticity, privacy, and decentralized control taking center stage in today's digital ecosystem.
Lessons from the Past: Building and Scaling Giants
Reflecting on their past roles, the founders shared critical lessons from Twitter's rapid growth and Meta's monetization strategies, underscoring the importance of adaptability in tech.
They noted that while these platforms once defined online interaction, their dominance is now challenged by emerging competitors and changing regulatory landscapes.
A New Playbook for the Future of Connection
The core of their talk at Disrupt 2025 was a forward-looking playbook for startups aiming to redefine social engagement in a post-Twitter and Meta world.
Key strategies included leveraging AI for personalized content, prioritizing user ownership of data, and fostering niche communities over mass-market appeal.
The impact of such a shift could be profound, potentially disrupting how billions connect online and challenging existing business models reliant on centralized data control.
What Lies Ahead for Tech Innovators?
Looking to the future, the 01 Advisors founders predicted that the next big social platforms will emerge from a focus on trust and transparency, areas where current giants often face criticism.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 attendees left the session inspired, with many eager to apply these insights as they navigate the ever-evolving world of technology and venture capital.
Andrew Lee
