David has been working on apps since the very beginning, founding his company, Contrast, in 2008. After launching 20+ apps, and selling 3 of them, David now works as Growth Advocate at RevenueCat, helping developers build, analyze, and grow their subscription app businesses.
In your own words, what’s your role in the app business right now?
Educator. I talk to the best in the industry on the Sub Club podcast, community, and newsletter to help others learn from their successes… and failures.
How did you end up working in apps? / get started?
I was a broke recording engineer trying to figure out how I’d ever afford to have a family. Or even see my wife (she worked 9-5, I worked 2 PM-2 AM). Working in a recording studio had made me an Apple fan, so when I heard about the iPhone SDK way back in the fall of 2007, it sounded like a great opportunity. I had my first app in the App Store in August of 2008 and have launched 20+ apps in the years since.
What are you most excited about in apps right now? (tech, trends, people, verticals)
I’m most excited about innovative ways to serve more customers. From ad-supported freemium to multi-tiered subscriptions, I think the future of apps is meeting people where they are on the demand curve and providing more value to more people while charging people who get the most value more.
What other companies in the app space do you rate/ inspire you and why?
There are so many fantastic apps and companies in the space it’s hard to pick!
Lose It! is one of the apps that really inspires me. They have a mission to help the world achieve a healthy weight and offer so many tools for free as well as at a relatively low cost to help people achieve their health goals.
What do you like most about working in apps?
Apps have transformed the way we live, for better and worse, but I’m still so optimistic about the power of software on these tiny computers we carry with us everywhere to continue making the world a better place.
What one thing would you change about the app industry / market?
The App Store search algorithm.
Where do you think there’s an opportunity for apps / or unmet needs?
I think the phrase “there’s riches in niches” is more true of the app stores today than maybe any other market in human history. Solving a problem well for a relatively small niche on the app stores can build fantastic businesses. I know, I see them on a weekly basis and am always surprised by just how big and profitable some of these niche apps are.
If you weren’t working in apps what would you be doing?
I’d probably still be a recording engineer.
iOS or Android?
iOS.
What app(s) have been most useful to you over the last year?
Fitbod.
What’s on your Spotify / Music party playlist?
Tycho.
Any Netflix/ TV show recommendations?
For All Mankind.
Do you know someone driving change and growth in the app industry? Nominate an app leader here.
