Business Model Examples

A searchable catalog of business model examples analyzed and presented using the Business Model Canvas. These examples are pulled directly from our latest book: The Invincible Company. Search by Company Name, Industry and/or Business Model Pattern.

Hospitality

AirBnb

In 2008, airbnb launches a platform that feels like a hotel chain but owns no properties. It connects travelers with owners of idle assets.
Multi-industry

Apple iPhone

In 2007, apple launches the iPhone and combines an internet browser, a music player, and a mobile phone in one high-end, multitouch device without a keyboard. It ushers in the era of the smartphone.
IP

ARM

In 1990, ARM launched as a spinoff of a computer manufacturer to focus entirely on designing and licensing intellectual property for silicon chips. Today, almost all of the world’s smartphones and tablets contain ARM designs.
Hospitality

citizenM

In 2005, citizenM launches a hotel concept with reduced costs but increased value for “mobile citizens.”
Manufacturing

Dell

In 1984, Dell disrupts the personal computer market with high quality, low-cost machines that are built-to- order and sold directly to customers.
Telecommunications

Didi

In 2012, DiDi launches a ride-hailing service and rapidly acquires the largest pool of drivers and passengers in the industry, making it hard for anyone else to compete in this space.
Manufacturing

Dollar Shave Club

In 2012, Dollar shave club (Dsc) launches with a viral marketing campaign and disrupts the market for men’s shaving products by selling directly to consumers.
Manufacturing

Dyson

Starting with a vacuum in 1993, Dyson tackles a wide range of product engineering challenges with an ingenious approach. it invests heavily in R&D to launch innovative, best- in-class products that it sells at a premium and protects with patents.
Software

Fortnite

In 2017, epic games releases Fortnite: Battle Royale, a completely free, multiplatform, online video game that is subsidized by in-app purchases for digital goods.
Manufacturing

IKEA

In 1956, IKEA introduces “flatpacking” and turns customers into a free workforce that takes over part of the traditional furniture manufacturing value chain. Customers buy furniture in pieces in stores and assemble it in a DiY fashion at home.
Manufacturing

Kodak

In 1900, Kodak “baits” consumers with cheap cameras to generate significant follow-on revenues from selling high margin film and photo processing.
Telecommunications

M-Pesa

In 2007, safaricom repurposes its telecom network to create M-pesa, a reliable money transfer solution for the masses.
Software

Microsoft Windows

In 1990 Microsoft got 30 pc manufacturers to preinstall Windows 3.0 on their machines. That move effectively locked in millions of users into the Microsoft ecosystem and generated recurring revenues for over two decades.
Retail

Patagonia

In 1973, Yvon Chouinard creates an outdoor apparel company whose activities are configured through the lens of environmental protection.
Software

Spotify

In 2006, Spotify launches a free online music service to compete against freely available, pirated music. Its main revenue source comes from users upgrading to a premium subscription.
Automotive

Tesla

In 2012 Tesla envisions a large untapped market (high-end electric vehicles) where nobody else sees one. With the Model S they create the right value proposition to unlock the opportunity.
Manufacturing

Tupperware

In 1948, Tupperware takes off when it starts selling through Tupperware home parties, empowering women to sell to other women, using their social networks.
Software

Waze

In 2008, Waze develops a traffic navigation system that gets better with every additional user. real-time information from users helps shorten commutes and reduce traffic congestion.
Software

WhatsApp

In 2009, Whatsapp launches a device-agnostic free messaging service and platform that disrupts SMS and free desktop messaging.
Manufacturing

Xerox

In 1959, Xerox launches the first plain paper photocopier, the Xerox 914. Rather than just selling the machine, they generate long-term, recurring revenues from each photocopy made.
Retail

Zara

In the 1980s Zara disrupts the fashion industry by radically reconfiguring the supply chain and creating the fast-fashion category. It is able to almost instantly react to fashion trends by vertically integrating its supply chain.

Copyright 2020 — Strategyzer AG, Zone Industrielle (ZI) Le Tresi 9B
1028 Préverenges, Switzerland