A platform company generates value by enabling interactions, transactions, or relationships. A platform company leverages network effects (direct/same side or indirect). Platform companies are also known as platform business models, given their intrinsic way of creating value for users.
Aspect | Explanation |
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Definition | A Platform Company is an organization that leverages digital technology and infrastructure to create and manage a platform ecosystem that connects various stakeholders, such as producers, consumers, and third-party developers. These platforms serve as a foundation for enabling interactions, transactions, and the exchange of goods, services, or information. Platform companies often facilitate and benefit from network effects, where the value of the platform increases as more participants join and engage with it. Examples of platform companies include Amazon, Uber, Airbnb, and Facebook. |
Key Characteristics | – Ecosystem: Platform companies create an ecosystem where multiple stakeholders, including users, sellers, and developers, can interact and transact. – Network Effects: The value of the platform grows as more users and participants join, creating a positive feedback loop. – Digital Infrastructure: These companies heavily rely on digital technology, cloud computing, data analytics, and connectivity to operate and scale their platforms. – Scalability: Platform companies are designed to scale rapidly, accommodating millions or even billions of users and transactions. – Monetization Strategies: They employ various monetization models, including commission fees, subscription services, advertising, and data monetization. |
Examples | – Amazon: Amazon operates a platform that connects buyers and sellers, enabling e-commerce transactions, third-party seller services, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing. – Uber: Uber’s platform connects riders and drivers, facilitating on-demand transportation services in multiple countries. – Airbnb: Airbnb provides a platform for hosts to offer short-term lodging services to travelers. – Facebook: Facebook operates a social media platform connecting users, advertisers, and developers. |
Impact | – Platform companies have disrupted traditional industries and business models, reshaping how products and services are delivered, consumed, and monetized. – They have the potential to reach a global audience and generate substantial revenue and market capitalization. – Platform ecosystems can foster innovation by allowing third-party developers to create new applications and services on the platform. – However, concerns related to data privacy, market dominance, and regulatory issues have arisen as platform companies have grown in influence. |
Challenges | – Competition: Platform companies often face fierce competition from other platforms and traditional businesses. – Regulatory Scrutiny: They may encounter regulatory challenges related to antitrust, data privacy, and market dominance. – Security and Trust: Ensuring the security and trustworthiness of the platform is crucial to maintaining user confidence. – User Data: Managing and protecting user data is a significant responsibility and potential source of risk. |
What is the level of digitalization?
Based on the research of FourWeekMBA, we identified four levels of digital transformation:
- Level one: tech and digitally-enabled
- Level two: tech-enhanced
- Level three: platforms and interactions
- Level four: business ecosystem
One of the most influential business models of the digital age is the platform business model, which created a paradigm shift.
The platform business model
The platform business model requires a paradigm shift, as you need to think about “how do I sell my product” to “how do I enable others to interact and transact on top of the platform?”
This is the essence of platform business models.
Platform business models are based on three main premises:
- Network effects.
- Control points.
- Economic/Non-Economic Incentives.
The most crucial aspect of kicking off a platform and scaling it is network effects.
Platforms and network effects
Network effects can help a platform kick off, scale and maintain its relevance to users as it builds momentum.
Yet, platform business models also require a considerable amount of maintenance, engineering, and understanding of complex dynamics.
And thus, they need to make sure negative network effects are prevented.
Beware of negative network effects
In general, negative network effects can be classified in:
To understand them to read the following case studies:
Inside business platforms
The next evolution of platform business models is business platforms/ecosystems.
The epitome of it is Apple’s ecosystem.
Key Highlights
- Level one: Tech and Digitally-enabled Transformation: At this level, businesses incorporate basic digital technologies but do not fundamentally change their traditional business models.
- Level two: Tech-enhanced Transformation: Businesses at this level leverage technology to enhance their existing models and operations, making processes more efficient and effective.
- Level three: Platforms and Interactions Transformation: This level involves the adoption of platform business models, focusing on creating value by enabling interactions and exchanges among users.
- Level four: Business Ecosystem Transformation: The highest level of digital transformation involves building business platforms or ecosystems like Apple’s, which encompass various interconnected products and services.
- Platform Business Models: These models create value by facilitating exchanges among consumers, relying on network effects, control points, and economic/non-economic incentives.
- Network Effects: A phenomenon where the value of a platform increases as more users join, creating positive momentum and relevance for users.
- Negative Network Effects: In some cases, as the platform grows, it may suffer from congestion or pollution, leading to reduced value for new users.
- Apple’s Ecosystem: An example of a business platform/ ecosystem, where various interconnected products and services are offered to users, creating a seamless experience.
Platform Types
Platform Business | Description | Examples | Revenue Models | Distribution Channels | Customer Segments |
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E-commerce Marketplace | Connects buyers and sellers, facilitating transactions. | Amazon, eBay, Alibaba | Transaction fees, subscriptions, advertising. | Online, Mobile Apps, Partnerships, Affiliates | Consumers, Sellers, Retailers |
Ride-Sharing | Connects passengers with drivers for transportation services. | Uber, Lyft, Grab | Commission on rides, surge pricing, ads. | Mobile Apps, Website, Referral Programs | Passengers, Drivers |
Social Media | Enables content sharing and community building. | Facebook, Instagram | Advertising, sponsored content, data analytics. | Mobile Apps, Website, API | Users, Advertisers, Businesses, Developers |
Crowdfunding | Connects project creators with backers for fundraising. | Kickstarter, Indiegogo | Platform fees, tiered rewards, payment processing. | Website, Email Campaigns, Social Media | Creators, Backers |
App Stores | Distributes and sells applications developed by developers. | Apple App Store, Google Play Store | Revenue share from app sales, in-app purchases. | Pre-installed on devices, Mobile Apps | Developers, Users |
Online Advertising | Connects advertisers with publishers for ad placements. | Google AdWords, Facebook Ads | Pay-per-click, pay-per-impression, subscriptions. | Self-service platforms, Ad networks | Advertisers, Publishers, Agencies |
Content Streaming | Offers a library of digital content (e.g., movies, music). | Netflix, Spotify, Disney+ | Subscription fees, ads, licensing content. | Mobile Apps, Smart TVs, Web | Subscribers, Content Producers, Advertisers |
Freelance Marketplaces | Connects businesses with freelancers for project work. | Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer | Service fees, subscription plans, featured listings. | Website, Email Marketing, SEO | Freelancers, Businesses, Entrepreneurs |
Real Estate Booking | Facilitates booking and rental of accommodations. | Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo | Booking fees, host service fees, subscription plans. | Website, Mobile Apps, Partnerships | Travelers, Property Owners, Property Managers |
Job Matching | Matches job seekers with job openings and employers. | LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster | Premium subscriptions, job listings, ads. | Website, Mobile Apps, Email Campaigns | Job Seekers, Employers, Recruiters |
Payment Processing | Provides a platform for online and mobile payments. | PayPal, Stripe, Square | Transaction fees, currency conversion, subscriptions. | Website, APIs, Payment Gateways | Individuals, Businesses, E-commerce Platforms |
Cloud Computing | Offers infrastructure, platforms, or software services. | Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform | Subscription pricing, pay-as-you-go, data storage. | Online portals, Sales teams, Partnerships | Enterprises, Developers, IT Professionals |
Food Delivery | Connects users with restaurants and delivery drivers for food orders. | Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub | Commission on orders, delivery fees, ads. | Mobile Apps, Website, Partnerships | Consumers, Restaurants, Delivery Drivers |
Connected Business Model Types And Frameworks
Attention Merchant Business Model
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