Several entrepreneurs, working for either themselves or an already established firm, have plans to enter the hearing aid industry. With the help of a five forces analysis I have discovered that entering this market has a large amount of upside. One of the plans for hearing aid development was a concept in which a blue tooth earpiece could be fitted to become a hearing aid and the technology could be bought as an application on a smartphone. The opportunity for this business venture is very promising. To begin with current market competitors could be overcome in several ways. This concept involves both significant points of difference and lowered pricing. The channel that this product would be supplied through is as well, completely unique. Advertising and sales through a smartphone make it easily accessible to a target market where accessibility is crucial. Direct substitutes could be warded off as technology patents would be obtainable stopping imitation products from hindering sales. The sales pitch of this product is what makes it so attractive. Sure, the buyers may have power but why choose the overpriced low-quality alternative? The development and future of this product is one that looks bright for both consumers and producers.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-08/the-battle-to-build-and-sell-hearing-aid-alternatives.html

The Blackstone Group has set forth plans to invest their money into creating power sources for several areas in Africa.  Blackstone, the world’s largest buyout firm, is planning on investing in hydro and geothermal energy source products worth three billion dollars. Blackstone clearly sees the present as a premium time to be involved in the African power business just as any educated investor would. The amount of demand for energy in Africa is rapidly increasing and it is a commodity that is undoubtedly going to remain prominent.  Detailed analysis of the market in Africa shows that there is a significant unfilled need for new energy sources. The research shows that nearly sixty percent of Africans are unable to access electricity. The cost of money in this investment is rather low as electricity is a viable business venture and the proposed projects are relatively low risk. Blackstone faces vast opportunities as once it is acquired, electricity has a very inelastic demand; if they are able to achieve a partial monopoly in this field the payout would be immense. Whether taking advantage of that opportunity would be ethical is another concern but nonetheless the prospect is present. The Blackstone Group has nearly unlimited potential in this venture and the result of the upcoming projects will be more than interesting to explore.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-08/blackstone-investing-in-3-billion-of-african-power-correct-.html