Startup Model – Learning in your Neighborhood

THE MODEL: A P2P platform for learners and teachers to discover each other within a neighborhood. A user wanting to learn a skill can use the platform to find a teacher in the neighborhood. Similarly if a user has a particular skill set, he/she can create a page and get leads.

STARTUP: Konnektid (Dutch startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – Learning within a community is an innovative model which connects teachers and learners within a neighborhood. Classes are generally sought after by students close to their homes. This startup helps them in finding teachers nearby.

Benefits to Users – Students can find classes nearby, which saves them time. Also since this is a P2P platform, the prices of teachers would tend to be lower than what a small business would charge.

CONCERNS

Revenue Model – Since the platform is only for connecting learners and teachers, no transactions happen online. Revenue is a concern which the team needs to look closely into. Simply charging for verifying teacher profiles or an profile promotion revenue may not be sufficient to create healthy revenues.

Startup Model – Connecting Product Designers Directly to Customers

The Model: A platform which connects designers of products directly to customers. Designers, once approved, can upload their designs onto the platform, which customers can buy.  

Startup Doing It: Crowdyhouse (Dutch startup)

What I Like:

Core Idea – An ‘Etsy for product designers’. Customers can get better price, designers can get a better margin and more brand recognition.

Niche – Since the website is all about innovative product designs, discovery of such products is easier here as compared to other ecommerce players.

My Concerns:

Weak Differentiation – Designers can upload their products on other ecommerce websites as well. Though Crowdyhouse does select which designers to keep on their platform, I feel a more significant differentiator may need to be built in.