Viktor Hendelmann 
Executive Summary: Napster was a peer-to-peer file-sharing program that allowed its users to download and upload (predominantly music) files through software on their computers. Napster initially failed because it got entangled in a long-lasting legal battle with the RIAA and various music artists. The ongoing legal battles led to a temporary shutdown in 2001. The … Read more
Executive Summary: Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia on which (almost) anyone can create and edit articles – as long as that person has access to the internet. Wikipedia makes money from donations, investments, merchandise sales, and by licensing its content to other companies. Founded in 2001, Wikipedia has grown to become one of the world’s … Read more
Executive Summary: Friendster was a social networking service that allowed you to set up user profiles, connect with other people, and communicate with them. Friendster failed because of site performance issues, rising competition, executive turnover, and due to extensive content moderation. Founded in 2002, Friendster became the world’s most prominent social network for a short … Read more
Executive Summary: Zalando is an e-commerce platform that offers fashion products for both men and women across categories such as shoes, accessories, or clothing. Zalando makes money via product sales, commissions from its partner program, fulfillment services, subscriptions, advertising, as well as a style box. Zalando operates on a marketplace business model. Founded in 2008, … Read more
Executive Summary: Swagbucks is an online rewards platform that allows members to earn point-based cashback rewards as well as gift cards. Swagbucks makes money via affiliate commissions (also called referral fees) paid by the brands it partners with. It operates under an affiliate business model. Launched in 2008, Swagbucks has grown to become one of … Read more
Executive Summary: Skillshare is an online learning platform that allows people to either teach or educate themselves on a variety of topics. Skillshare makes money via monthly and yearly subscription fees as well as a referral fee from recommending other products. The company operates on a marketplace business model. Founded in 2011, Skillshare has grown … Read more
Executive Summary: Myspace was a social media network that enabled users to create their own profile pages, engage in various forums, listen to music, and more. Myspace failed because of rising competition, a poor and inconsistent product, heavy spending, as well as ongoing legal battles. Launched in January 2004, the site became the world’s leading … Read more
Executive Summary: Plus500 is an online trading company that specializes in the purchase and sale of contracts for difference. Plus500 makes money via spreads on customer trades, overnight fees, currency conversion fees, as well as inactivity fees. Founded in 2008, the company has grown to become one of the world’s leading contracts for difference providers. … Read more
Executive Summary: Freetrade is an online brokerage that allows users to buy and sell various financial assets via its Android and iOS apps. Freetrade makes money via a monthly subscription offer, currency conversion fees, as well as interest paid on the cash residing in its user accounts. The company operates on a freemium business model. … Read more
Executive Summary: Trade Republic is a mobile trading application that allows users to buy and sell ETFs, stocks, derivatives, and cryptocurrencies. Trade Republic makes money from payments for order flow, various trading and account fees, as well as interest on cash held within its user accounts. Founded in 2015, Trade Republic has grown to become … Read more