Public Records Business Model
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A business model based on taking public government data, structuring it into a searchable format, and creating value-added services around it. Both Import Genius and BuildZoom demonstrate this model's success in different sectors.
Core Model:
- Take hard-to-access public government records
- Structure and organize the data into a useful format
- Build a search engine interface
- Add value-added services on top of the base data
Example: Import Genius
- Uses shipping manifest public records
- Allows users to:
- See supplier relationships for any business
- Find legitimate factories and suppliers
- Verify authenticity of manufacturers
- Pricing: $99-199 subscription model
Example: BuildZoom
- Uses building permit public records
- Features:
- Search engine for building permits
- See contractor history for any property
- Connect homeowners with verified contractors
- Layer reviews on top of permit data
Key Considerations:
- Defensibility challenges since data is public
- Need to build distribution or network effects
- Reviews and brand become key differentiators
- Government has no incentive to organize data well
- Creates opportunity for businesses to add value
- Focus on solving clear user frustrations
- Import Genius: Finding legitimate factories
- BuildZoom: Finding reliable contractors
09:34 - 11:20
Full video: 57:34RP
Ryan Petersen
Founder and CEO at Flexport, Partner at Founders Fund
Ryan Petersen is founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flexport, the platform for global logistics. Since founding Flexport in 2013, Ryan and his team have worked to make global trade so easy, there is more of it. Companies of all sizes--from emerging brands to Fortune 500s--use Flexport technology to move tens of billions of dollars worth of merchandise across 112 countries every year.