article
In 2013, a startup called Leap Motion shipped a gesture-control device that let users interact with their computers through hand movements in the air. The technology was genuinely impressive—based on breakthrough infrared sensor technology that could track finger movements with sub-millimeter accuracy. Leap Motion raised over $44 million and generated enormous buzz.
What it is
Why it matters
Diagnosis
Misdiagnosis
Refactored solutions
When it could help
How betting on immature technology can turn technical novelty into long delays, high costs, and a product customers cannot rely on.
We are not affiliated with Itamar Novick, Simeon Simeonov, or Recursive Ventures. We just like the series and wanted to make it easier to listen to, so this unofficial audio version is available to everyone for free.
Duration
~6 minutes (6K characters)
Release date
Aug 21, 2026