Chapter 1: The Email App Lifecycle

Email applications have always had a tumultuous existence. They rise to prominence, capture the market, and then eventually fade away. This cyclical pattern could be inscribed on a Roman tablet, underscoring the inevitable fate of many in this space.

Over the years, numerous email platforms have emerged and then vanished, often leaving behind a trail of disappointment. A notable case is Newton Mail, which has been revived multiple times, and Mailbox, which was acquired by Dropbox only to be shut down. But what drives this cycle?

Recently, Superhuman announced a significant reduction of 22% in its workforce, a decision revealed by CEO Rahul Vohra. This move reflects the anticipated economic challenges that are looming ahead. Although Superhuman is still operational, it raises the question: why do so many email applications come and go?

Tempo, a more recent entrant, serves as a prime example of this phenomenon. With its user-friendly design and a subscription model priced at $99 annually, Tempo was poised for success. However, maintaining a third-party email application is a costly endeavor due to the need for data protection and desired integrations.

Tempo's closure announcement stated:

> "Since then, we’ve expanded the team to 8 people spread across Europe, received investment and support from BoostVC and Founders, executed a complete redesign, launched the iOS beta this year, created our very dear Tempo Pulse community and much more. But we also realized over the years how much it takes to build an email client. It’s complex, and the bar is incredibly high."

The intricate nature of email applications is challenging to overstate. They require substantial financial backing, consume considerable resources, and can lead to long-term operational difficulties. I had the opportunity to work with Newton Mail between 2016 and 2018 as a marketing consultant focused on influencer strategies. Despite an increase in users, the company ultimately struggled to achieve profitability.

Since then, Newton has experienced two closures, yet my involvement continues to provide me with coverage opportunities in the industry. One can only hope for sustainability in the email sector.

Section 1.1: The Future of Email Management

Another noteworthy service is Hey.com, managed by the creators of Basecamp. This platform has boasted an impressive profit streak, maintaining profitability for 21 consecutive years. This statement is particularly interesting as it suggests that cultivating a community around email can lead to sustained revenue.

Chapter 2: Understanding Email Overload

The second video discusses the reasons behind the struggle with email overload, offering insights into how users can better manage their inboxes amidst the challenges faced by email apps.