And so the book has finally been written about Big Data. This new book, Big Data: A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work and Think – written by Oxford University professor Viktor Mayer-Schonberger and The Economist journalist Ken Cukier – is the definitive guide to a new age which, both authors promise, is going to revolutionize the way we live, work and think. But “we are still in the first inning” of this age, Cukier says. So what are the business opportunities right now, I ask them, for startup entrepreneurs wanting to unlock new economic value in the big data economy? Healthcare and automotive, Cukier argues. Education, Mayer-Schonberger adds. But both authors also recognize the dangers of a big data age in which we flesh-and-blood humans might be in danger of ourselves being reduced to mere data.
Topics
Andrew Keen
Andrew Keen is the author of three books: Cult of the Amateur, Digital Vertigo and The Internet Is Not The Answer. He produces Futurecast, and is the host of Keen On.

October 27-29, 2025
San Francisco
ONE-WEEK BUNDLE FLASH SALE
Founder Bundle Offer: Land your investor and sharpen your pitch. Save 15% when you bring 4-9 founders.
Investors Bundle Offer: Discover your next breakout startup. Save 20% when you bring 4-9 investors.
Bundle offer ends October 3.
Most Popular
-
Famed roboticist says humanoid robot bubble is doomed to burst
Techcrunch eventJoin 10k+ tech and VC leaders for growth and connections at Disrupt 2025
Netflix, Box, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Hugging Face, Elad Gil, Vinod Khosla — just some of the 250+ heavy hitters leading 200+ sessions designed to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech. Grab your ticket before doors open to save up to $444.
Join 10k+ tech and VC leaders for growth and connections at Disrupt 2025
Netflix, Box, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Hugging Face, Elad Gil, Vinod Khosla — just some of the 250+ heavy hitters leading 200+ sessions designed to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss a chance to learn from the top voices in tech. Grab your ticket before doors open to save up to $444.
San Francisco | October 27-29, 2025