I am closely following a lot of tech startups lately (can you tell what my favorite one is right now?) and while Silicon Valley still remains a major hub of activity, New York City is generating a lot of buzz.
It’s exciting watching these young companies quickly building various technology products and it has me thinking about what helps a brand new startup succeed. I thought I would look back at one of New York’s most successful startups for inspiration. Founded in 1984, I’m talking about the Ghostbusters. Here’s a playful look at what made them successful.
Busting into a new market
The Ghostbusters team was passionate and focused on finding and capturing ghosts. Like many startups, this passion pushed them to pursue a business. They were the first to build a business around capturing ghosts and as a result they enjoyed a first-mover advantage. Time and time again the best businesses are fueled by passion.

Ground breaking technology
Catching ghosts became a reality thanks to the development of key technology. Proton packs, traps and P.K.E. meters made a new business and industry possible. The Ghostbusters haven’t even explored licensing out their technology to other companies or turning their own business into a franchise. Peter says it best when he claims, “it’s going to be bigger than the microchip.”


Strong branding, cheap marketing and generating buzz
The Ghostbusters excelled at marketing their new business and didn’t even have to try that hard or put too much money into it.
Branding
Everyone knows the Ghostbusters’ name and logo. The name is catchy and the logo is simple and iconic.

Cheap marketing
They used a variety of cheap marketing tactics:
- Cheesy television ad that still gets your attention
- A ridiculously catchy song
- They cleverly branded their car and suits as well making them instantly recognizable around the city


Generating buzz
Finally, the uniqueness of their business was new and exciting and the media was quick to catch on and promote them faster than they could keep up.


Listening to customers
It’s always important to listen to customer feedback, no matter how crazy it sounds. Eggs frying on the counter and far-fetched ghost stories turned into business opportunities.

Assembling the right team
Assembling the right mix of talent is challenging and critically important. If people don’t get along and work together, the overall business suffers. The Ghostbusters have the right mix of optimism, vision, scientific/engineering talent and a little bit of comic relief.
Dealing with the unexpected
Startups are roller coaster rides and the Ghostbusters needed to work through significant challenges. It’s not every day that your office explodes or you need to combat a giant marshmallow man.


A cool office
Last but not least, they have probably the coolest startup office ever. Their converted firehouse complete with fire pole beats all other offices I’ve seen.