Platform-based business model and entrepreneurs from Base of the Pyramid

Abstract

Technological progress and the rise of short video platforms have created new possibilities for the marginalized communities. This paper explores how such platform-based business model innovation can foster entrepreneurship from the base of the pyramid (BOP) and include poor people into value creation activities by sharing their skills, experiences and their normal farming and life activities. Through an in-depth case study of a successful platform which has hundreds of millions of active users from the BOP, we developed a content-based new inclusive digital business model for grassroot entrepreneurs; and identified the mechanisms that makes such a platform fair and inclusive for the poor. The paper analysed its impact on income creation, capabilities development, and social capital development at the BOP, as well as its impact on the growth of BOP entrepreneurs, and the enabling factors that are essential for the scale-up and success of such a business model. Policy implications are also discussed.