Platform Strategy

During the last decade, platform businesses such as Uber, Airbnb, Amazon and eBay have been taking over the world. In almost every sector, traditional businesses are under attack from digital disrupters that are effectively harnessing the power of communities. But what exactly is a platform business and why is it different? In Platform Strategy, Laure Claire Reillier and Benoit Reillier provide a practical guide for students, digital entrepreneurs and executives to understand what platforms are, how they work and how you can build one successfully. Using their own "rocket model" and original case studies (including Google, Apple, Amazon), they explain how designing, igniting and scaling a platform business requires learning a whole new set of management rules. Platform Strategy also offers many fascinating insights into the future of platforms, their regulation and governance, as well as how they can be combined with other business models. Benoit Reillier and Laure Claire Reillier are co-founders of Launchworks, a leading advisory firm focused on helping organizations develop and scale innovative business models.

Benoit Reillier and Laure Claire Reillier are co-founders of Launchworks, a leading advisory firm focused on helping organisations develop and scale innovative business models. Laure Claire Reillier has worked for a number of high growth start-ups and established tech firms. She was previously a senior executive at eBay Europe. She has a post-graduate degree in computer sciences and telecommunications from Telecom SudParis (France) and holds an MBA from the London Business School. Benoit Reillier has been advising the management teams of platforms as well digital and technology companies for the past 20 years. He holds master degrees in information systems, management & telecommunications (Telecom Management/Evry) as well as economics & competition law (King's College, London). He also holds MBAs from both Columbia University in New York City and London Business School.

Chapter 1. Introduction to platform businesses Chapter 2. The meteoric rise of platform businesses Chapter 3. What is a platform business? Chapter 4. Economic characteristics of platforms Chapter 5. Platforms as business models Chapter 6. Platform-powered ecosystems Chapter 7. Lifestages of platforms: design Chapter 8. Platform ignition: proving the concept Chapter 9. Platform scaling: reaching critical mass Chapter 10. Platform maturity: defending profitable growth Chapter 11. Platform pricing Chapter 12. Trust, governance and brand Chapter 13. Platforms, regulation and competition Chapter 14. Competing against platforms Chapter 15.The future of platforms