Platform Venture Building - From Strategy to Scale

Let’s co-create your platform together

From Strategy to Scale

Let’s co-create your platform together

Hundredfold proven procedure

From initial exploration to Super App

We put the experience of building and scaling over 250 platforms in the last 10 years into our 5-steps process. The process guides you through the core phases from strategic Ecosystem analysis to spot platform opportunities, to the design of a platform concept to achieve buy-in and seed-funding up to launching and scaling your platform based on true network effects.

Please find a detailed description of the „5E process“ below.

From initial Exploration to Prototyping to Super-App

1. Ecosystemize

At the start of our platform venture building process is „Ecosystemize,“ a strategic step where we delve deep into market ecosystems. This phase involves a meticulous analysis of customer journeys to uncover and assess the most promising opportunities for platform or marketplace ventures in the selected market ecosystem.

Our focus is on identifying ‚whitespaces‘ – areas lacking effective solutions or ripe for innovation. By evaluating current market dynamics, consumer needs, and technological trends, we select top opportunities that promise growth, sustainability, and value creation. This foundational step allows you to pick the identified opportunity for further deep-dives.

Duration:

3 month program

Aim:

Identify & select opportunity areas within a broader market ecosystem perspective

Result:

Market Ecosystem Strategy with clear understanding for buy, build, partner

2. Explore

In the „Explore“ phase, we take our top-selected platform opportunity and rigorously validate it through real-world market feedback. This critical step involves engaging with potential users, partners, and industry experts to refine and test our initial hypotheses. The outcome is a robust, market-validated business model, encompassing a clear understanding of customer needs, revenue streams, and competitive positioning.

The culmination of this phase is a comprehensive decision presentation, designed to articulate the opportunity, required investments, and potential returns to investors or boards. This enables informed investment decisions, setting the stage for a definitive go or no-go on funding the platform venture.

Duration:

3 months program

Aim:

Define & validate a platform opportunity, prepare and make go / no-go decision; secure funding by board or early investors

Result:

Validated Platform Opportunity

3. Embark

The „Embark“ phase is where ideas take tangible form. In this stage, we focus on building a Minimum Viable Platform (MVP) and initiating a go-to-market strategy to gain early traction. This critical phase is all about learning from real-world application; we launch the MVP to actual customers, collecting valuable feedback on its effectiveness and appeal. This feedback loop is vital for identifying what works, pinpointing areas for improvement, and eliminating bottlenecks.

The insights gained are used to refine the product and strategy, ensuring we’re optimally positioned to scale. The Embark phase is a dynamic blend of execution, learning, and preparation for growth.

Duration:

12 months program

Aim:

Build MVP & tech; launch and attract first customers; solve the chicken-egg-problem; build team capabilities & setup venture operations

Result:

Proof of business case, traction, solved chicken-egg problem, readiness to scale

4. Embrace

In the „Embrace“ phase, our venture fully commits to scaling the platform, leveraging network effects to amplify growth. This stage is characterized by a strong focus on expanding the platform’s reach and influence, driving user engagement, and enhancing value creation for all stakeholders. Key objectives include steering the platform towards profitability and solidifying its position in the market. Additionally, this phase often involves securing further funding, if necessary, to fuel accelerated growth.

Through strategic initiatives and data-driven decision-making, we aim to transform the platform into a dominant player in its ecosystem, ensuring long-term success and sustainability.

Duration:

12 months program

Aim:

Identify and scale via network effects; reach profitability; define & execute growth initiatives / actions; secure Serias A funding if required

Result:

Hyperscaling growth and profitability

5. Evolve

The „Evolve“ phase marks the transition of our platform into a super app or super platform, aiming for comprehensive market dominance. This phase is focused on horizontal expansion within the market ecosystem, extending the platform’s reach across multiple domains and services. We strive to build a fully integrated solution that offers an array of functionalities, enhancing user experience and creating strong lock-in effects.

This integration not only cements our platform’s position in the market but also ensures its long-term growth and sustainability. The goal is to evolve into an indispensable ecosystem component, continuously innovating and adapting to changing market dynamics.

Duration:

3 months program

Aim:

Discover, validate and decide on future growth areas

Result:

Super Platform Strategy

Change isn't made by watching from the sidelines.

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