INI

Business Model Archetypes - INI

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

[item.subscription]
code=01
slug=subscription
name=Subscription Model
description=A model where customers pay recurring fees for ongoing access to products or services.
examples=["Netflix","Spotify","Amazon Prime","Shopify","Adobe Creative Cloud"]
revenueType=Recurring Revenue

[item.freemium]
code=02
slug=freemium
name=Freemium Model
description=A model offering basic features for free while monetizing advanced features.
examples=["Dropbox","Slack","Duolingo","Cookpad","Zoom","Trello"]
revenueType=Free + Premium

[item.platform]
code=03
slug=platform
name=Platform Model
description=A model that provides a platform connecting sellers and buyers.
examples=["Amazon","Mercari","Uber","Airbnb","Fiverr","Upwork"]
revenueType=Intermediation / Commission

[item.advertising]
code=04
slug=advertising
name=Advertising Model
description=A model offering free services to users while generating revenue from advertisers.
examples=["Google","Facebook","YouTube (Free)","TikTok","Free Mobile Apps"]
revenueType=Advertising Revenue

[item.marketplace]
code=05
slug=marketplace
name=Marketplace Model
description=A model providing a venue where multiple sellers and buyers can transact.
examples=["eBay","Etsy","Rakuten","Taobao","Alibaba"]
revenueType=Transaction Fee

[item.on-demand]
code=06
slug=on-demand
name=On-Demand Model
description=A model providing services exactly when needed and only as much as needed.
examples=["Uber","DoorDash","Netflix","GoPuff","TaskRabbit"]
revenueType=Usage-Based

[item.ecosystem]
code=07
slug=ecosystem
name=Ecosystem Model
description=A model providing comprehensive value through integrated products and services.
examples=["Apple","Google","Amazon","Microsoft","Samsung"]
revenueType=Hybrid Revenue

[item.razor-and-blades]
code=08
slug=razor-and-blades
name=Razor and Blades Model
description=A model selling the main product cheaply while profiting from consumables.
examples=["Gillette","HP","Nespresso","Sony PlayStation","Nintendo"]
revenueType=Consumables Revenue