Fundamental business model archetypes for value creation and revenue generation.
Overview
Business Model Archetypes
Business model archetypes are classifications of fundamental frameworks through which companies deliver value to customers and generate revenue. They include major digital-era models such as subscription, freemium, platform, and advertising models. These archetypes may be used individually or in combination, serving as important guidelines for corporate strategy and new business development.
business model
subscription
freemium
platform
advertising model
strategy
entrepreneurship
| code | slug | name | description | examples | revenueType |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | subscription | Subscription Model | A model where customers pay recurring fees for ongoing access to products or services. | ["Netflix","Spotify","Amazon Prime","Shopify","Adobe Creative Cloud"] | Recurring Revenue |
| 02 | freemium | Freemium Model | A model offering basic features for free while monetizing advanced features. | ["Dropbox","Slack","Duolingo","Cookpad","Zoom","Trello"] | Free + Premium |
| 03 | platform | Platform Model | A model that provides a platform connecting sellers and buyers. | ["Amazon","Mercari","Uber","Airbnb","Fiverr","Upwork"] | Intermediation / Commission |
| 04 | advertising | Advertising Model | A model offering free services to users while generating revenue from advertisers. | ["Google","Facebook","YouTube (Free)","TikTok","Free Mobile Apps"] | Advertising Revenue |
| 05 | marketplace | Marketplace Model | A model providing a venue where multiple sellers and buyers can transact. | ["eBay","Etsy","Rakuten","Taobao","Alibaba"] | Transaction Fee |
| 06 | on-demand | On-Demand Model | A model providing services exactly when needed and only as much as needed. | ["Uber","DoorDash","Netflix","GoPuff","TaskRabbit"] | Usage-Based |
| 07 | ecosystem | Ecosystem Model | A model providing comprehensive value through integrated products and services. | ["Apple","Google","Amazon","Microsoft","Samsung"] | Hybrid Revenue |
| 08 | razor-and-blades | Razor and Blades Model | A model selling the main product cheaply while profiting from consumables. | ["Gillette","HP","Nespresso","Sony PlayStation","Nintendo"] | Consumables Revenue |