Many entrepreneurs struggle to turn their ideas into a solid business structure, often wasting time and resources on trial and error. The Business Model Canvas is a proven tool that breaks down a business into key building blocks, making it easier to plan and execute.

In this article, I’ll show you 10 great Business Model Canvas examples, giving you real-world insights to refine your own strategy and make smarter decisions.

What Is Business Model Canvas?

In simple terms, the Business Model Canvas description is stated as a summary that tells how the key drivers of a business fit together. It provides a visual framework for developing, analyzing, and refining a business model.

BMC is widely used by entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses to map out the core elements of their operations and value propositions.

The Importance of a Business Model Canvas

Here are five key reasons why the Business Model Canvas is essential for the development and operation of brands and businesses:

1. Clear Business Strategy – The canvas business model examples help businesses visualize how different elements like customer segments, value propositions, and revenue streams connect, making it easier to refine strategies and stay competitive.
2. Better Decision-Making – With a structured overview, brands can quickly identify strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to pivot or optimize their operations effectively. Companies can also analyze an example business canvas model to gain insights into what works best in different industries.
3. Efficient Resource Allocation – Businesses can allocate time, capital, and personnel effectively by focusing on key activities and partnerships that drive the most value, improving overall efficiency.
4. Improved Innovation & Adaptability – The business model canvas sample pdf is often used to experiment with new ideas, helping brands test and adjust their business models without disrupting their entire operation.
5. Enhanced Communication & Collaboration – A visual representation of the business model allows teams, investors, and stakeholders to understand the brand’s goals and operations at a glance, leading to better alignment and teamwork.

10 Examples Of Business Model Canvas in Different Industries

After understanding the core functionality, let’s look at some real-world examples to see how major companies design and run their BMC. Below are the top 10 Business Model Canvas examples from well-known brands in different industries worldwide to show you how businesses use this to map out their strategies and operations.

Example #1: Spotify

Spotify is a great Business Canvas Model example to thrive in the music industry.

Spotify operates on a freemium model, catering to two main customer segments: free users and premium subscribers. Free users enjoy access to Spotify’s vast music catalog but are supported through ads, while premium users pay a subscription fee for an ad-free, enhanced listening experience, including offline downloads and higher-quality audio.

Spotify’s value proposition lies in its convenience, extensive music library, and personalized experience. Users benefit from features like curated playlists, algorithm-driven recommendations, and easy access across multiple devices.

For music labels and artists, Spotify provides a global platform for exposure, monetization through royalty payments, and valuable analytics on listener behavior. Advertisers also gain access to a massive audience via targeted ads, which are served to free-tier users.

Spotify’s revenue streams primarily come from two sources: subscription fees from premium users and advertising revenue from free-tier users. This dual-income approach allows Spotify to balance its operations while paying significant royalties to artists and music labels.

Component	Description
Customer Segments	Free users, premium subscribers, artists, labels, and podcasters12
Value Proposition	Free music streaming, ad-free premium experience, global reach for artists, and monetization opportunities
Channels	Direct digital apps, social media platforms, partnerships with device manufacturers
Customer Relationships	Data-driven personalization, social features, customer support, direct communication
Revenue Streams	Premium subscriptions, advertising revenue, podcast advertising
Key Resources	Massive music library, technology infrastructure, data analytics, brand reputation
Key Activities	Content acquisition, technology development, marketing and brand building
Key Partnerships	Record labels, device manufacturers, telecom providers, podcast networks
Cost Structure	Content acquisition, technology development, marketing, and brand building

Example #2: Skype

Another great example of Business Model Canvas is Skype.

As can be seen, Skype provides users with 2 value propositions: free Internet & Video calling and cheap calls to phones. These propositions correspondingly help Skype attract 2 customer segments: free users and users who want to call phones.

In Skype’s model business, there is a majority of users who make free calls via the Internet, and just 10% of users choose the prepaid service. We can explain this business model by looking at key partnerships, key activities, and key resource building blocks.

Key partnerships, key activities, and key resources are the three elements that allow Skype to offer low-priced and free calls. Unlike other traditional telecom providers, Skype does not have to build and manage a huge and complicated infrastructure to work effectively; it just relies on backend software and servers hosting user accounts, which is called the freemium business model.

Component	Description
Customer Segments	Free users, prepaid users, businesses seeking international calls
Value Proposition	Free internet calls, cheap international calls, video conferencing
Channels	Website, headset partnerships, app stores
Customer Relationships	Self-service support, online help center, community forums
Revenue Streams	Premium calling features, Skype credit, subscription plans
Key Resources	Technology infrastructure, user base, software development team
Key Activities	Platform development, customer support, marketing
Key Partnerships	Telecommunication companies, payment processors, hardware manufacturers
Cost Structure	Software development, server maintenance, marketing expenses

Example #3: Gillette

In Gillette’s case, their business model follows the business model pattern called “Bait & Hook”, the pattern that is followed by many SaaS (Software as a Service) companies.

Gillette gives their customers a cheap or even free-of-charge original offer, a razor handle. This offer is the bait that enables customers to experience and get acquainted with Gillette’s products and makes them more likely to buy related products, such as the blades.

In the above diagram, the size of the arrow is in direct proportion to the revenues generated. All of Gillette’s revenues are from just one customer segment, which mainly depends on Frequent Blade Replacements.

Pay attention to the left corner of Gellette’s Business Model Canvas, which will demonstrate the consistent relation between all major costs and the value proposition. For instance, Gillette strengthens its brand by spending money on marketing, ensuring the brand’s uniqueness in the blade, and handling technology with R&D costs.

Component	Description
Customer Segments	Men, women, professionals, athletes, personal care retailers
Value Proposition	High-quality razors, innovative shaving technology, superior grooming experience
Channels	Retail stores, online platforms, supermarkets, pharmacies
Customer Relationships	Personalized customer service, loyalty programs, grooming guides
Revenue Streams	Razor sales, blade refills, grooming products, licensing fees
Key Resources	Brand reputation, manufacturing facilities, patents, distribution network
Key Activities	Product development, manufacturing, marketing, distribution
Key Partnerships	Suppliers, retailers, advertising agencies, sports teams
Cost Structure	Manufacturing, raw materials, marketing, research and development

Example #4: Google

Google’s business model is many-sided, which means their customer segments are not exclusive. Google has separate groups of customers, but these groups are related to each other.

In Google’s model, it is a platform whose customers are search users and advertisers. If there are no search users, there will not be advertisers and vice versa, search users will not be able to freely take advantage of this platform without advertisers.

As we can see, Google displays ads in search results or on web pages, which costs advertisers a lot of money. With this money, content creators are paid, and search users can browse free of charge.

Google’s kind of business model creates a network, which means the ads it displays to web users are directly proportional to advertisers and so are the content owners.

In terms of key resources, Google.com, Adsense (for content owners), and Adwords (for advertisers) build up Google’s search platform. Hence, managing the existing platform and its framework must be Google’s key strategic activity.

It is clear that one of their key partners is content owners, without whom there would not be search users or advertisers. Another partner of Google is OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers).

OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) provide Google with mobile handsets that allow this huge platform to operate its system at no charge. And to give back, when users of these handsets surf the Internet for information or entertainment or whatever, they choose Google’s platform by default. This process will consequently lead more web users to the ecosystem, meaning that more revenue will be raised.

Component	Description
Customer Segments	Users, advertisers, content publishers
Value Proposition	Free search, targeted advertising, content monetization
Channels	Search engine, advertising platforms, mobile apps
Customer Relationships	Automated services, self-service platforms, analytics tools
Revenue Streams	Advertising revenue, enterprise services, app store fees
Key Resources	Search algorithms, data centers, technological infrastructure
Key Activities	Search development, advertising platform maintenance, innovation
Key Partnerships	Content owners, device manufacturers, advertisers
Cost Structure	Infrastructure maintenance, R&D, employee salaries

Example #5: Airbnb

Airbnb operates a two-sided marketplace, serving two key customer segments: guests and hosts. Guests, ranging from leisure travelers to business professionals, seek affordable, authentic, and unique stays. On the other side, hosts include individual homeowners, superhosts, and even professional property managers looking to monetize their spaces.

By catering to these groups, Airbnb ensures a diverse range of offerings, from cozy apartments to luxurious villas and unique experiences like treehouses.

The platform’s value proposition lies in its ability to provide a seamless, trustworthy experience. Guests enjoy a wide variety of options, often more affordable and personalized than traditional hotels, while hosts benefit from an easy-to-use platform with tools to manage bookings and optimize performance.

Additionally, Airbnb ensures safety and trust with features like secure payments, guest screening, and a review system, fostering confidence on both sides.

Airbnb’s revenue model is primarily commission-based, earning from both guests (up to 14.2% service fee) and hosts (around 3% of the booking value). This asset-light approach—where Airbnb doesn’t own the properties—allows the company to scale quickly while maintaining low operational costs, driving its global success in the hospitality industry.

Component	Description
Customer Segments	Hosts offering properties, guests seeking accommodations
Value Proposition	Unique stays for guests, income generation for hosts
Channels	Website, mobile app, social media, digital marketing
Customer Relationships	Trust-based platform, review system, 24/7 support
Revenue Streams	Host fees (3-5%), guest fees (0-20%)
Key Resources	Platform technology, property listings, user reviews
Key Activities	Platform development, customer service, marketing
Key Partnerships	Property owners, insurance companies, payment processors
Cost Structure	Technology development, marketing, customer support, insurance

Example #6: Uber

Uber’s business model revolves around connecting riders and drivers through a seamless, tech-driven platform. The primary customer segments include urban riders, often younger and tech-savvy, seeking affordable, on-demand transportation, and drivers, who are independent contractors looking for flexible income opportunities.

Uber also caters to additional micro subsegments, such as riders with specific commuting needs or meal delivery customers through Uber Eats.

Uber’s value proposition is centered on convenience, affordability, and safety. For riders, it offers custom rides, real-time ETAs, and competitive pricing, while drivers benefit from income generation, flexible work hours, and a support system.

Uber Eats extends this value to food delivery consumers by providing diverse restaurant options and real-time order tracking. The platform fosters trust through features like rider and driver safety measures, transparent pricing, and a robust app experience.

On the revenue side, Uber operates a commission-based model, earning 25% on ride fares and 15-30% from Uber Eats orders. Its asset-light approach—without owning vehicles—enables rapid scaling with low overhead costs. This, combined with its broad customer base and powerful network effects, has made Uber a leader in the ride-sharing and delivery industries globally.

Component	Description
Customer Segments	Riders seeking transportation, drivers seeking income
Value Proposition	Convenient rides for passengers, flexible income for drivers
Channels	Mobile apps for riders and drivers, website
Customer Relationships	Rating system, customer support, automated matching
Revenue Streams	Commission from rides, surge pricing, service fees
Key Resources	Platform technology, driver network, brand recognition
Key Activities	Platform development, driver onboarding, route optimization
Key Partnerships	Drivers, payment processors, map service providers
Cost Structure	Driver payments, technology development, marketing

Example #7: IKEA

IKEA’s business model is centered around offering affordable, functional, and sustainable home furnishing solutions to a broad customer base. Its key customer segments include young adults, families, homeowners, renters, and DIY enthusiasts. By targeting these diverse groups, IKEA ensures a steady demand for its wide range of products.

The company’s value proposition lies in its ability to deliver quality products at low prices without compromising on style or functionality. IKEA achieves this by focusing on efficient supply chain management, innovative flat-pack designs, and sustainability initiatives.

Customers enjoy a self-service experience in-store, co-creating their furniture at home, supported by loyalty programs and robust customer support.

IKEA’s revenue streams primarily come from product sales, including furniture and home accessories. Additional income is generated through food and beverage sales in its in-store restaurants, service fees for assembly and delivery, franchise fees, and rental income from leased properties.

By integrating physical stores, online platforms, and mobile apps, IKEA provides a seamless shopping experience, solidifying its position as a global leader in the home furnishings market.

Component	Description
Customer Segments	Budget-conscious consumers, young adults, families, small businesses
Value Proposition	Affordable stylish furniture, DIY assembly concept
Channels	Retail stores, online store, catalogs, mobile app
Customer Relationships	Self-service model, loyalty programs, workshops
Revenue Streams	Product sales, food services, assembly services, delivery fees
Key Resources	Store locations, supply chain, product designs, brand
Key Activities	Product design, manufacturing, retail operations, logistics
Key Partnerships	Suppliers, transport providers, designers, franchisees
Cost Structure	Manufacturing, logistics, store operations, employee wages

Example #8: Starbucks

Starbucks operates with a strong focus on providing a premium coffee experience to its diverse customer segments, which include young professionals, coffee enthusiasts, socially conscious consumers, remote workers, and travelers.

The company differentiates itself through high-quality, handcrafted beverages, a welcoming store environment, and efficient customer service. This value proposition extends to ethical sourcing and sustainability initiatives, appealing to environmentally aware consumers.

The company leverages multiple channels, including company-owned stores, licensed stores, its mobile app, online ordering, and grocery partnerships.

Starbucks strengthens customer relationships with personalized in-store experiences and its popular Rewards loyalty program, fostering repeat business. Its social media and responsive feedback channels further enhance customer engagement.

Starbucks generates revenue from various streams, including sales from retail stores, royalties from licensed stores, and consumer packaged goods sold through retail partnerships. Additionally, the company benefits from food and beverage sales, Starbucks Reserve stores, and co-branding partnerships.

Component	Description
Customer Segments	Coffee enthusiasts, urban professionals, students
Value Proposition	Premium coffee experience, third place atmosphere, convenience
Channels	Retail stores, mobile app, drive-thru, online platforms
Customer Relationships	Loyalty program, personalized service, mobile ordering
Revenue Streams	Beverage sales, food items, merchandise, licensing
Key Resources	Store locations, brand, coffee sourcing, trained staff
Key Activities	Coffee sourcing, store operations, product innovation
Key Partnerships	Coffee growers, suppliers, licensees, property owners
Cost Structure	Store operations, inventory, staff training, marketing

Example #9: Netflix

Netflix has revolutionized the way we consume entertainment by offering on-demand, high-quality streaming. Its main customer segments include a wide range of viewers across different regions, ages, and content preferences. What sets Netflix apart is its ability to micro-segment its audience, with over 2,000 preference clusters, ensuring everyone gets personalized recommendations that match their tastes.

The value proposition is simple but powerful: unlimited streaming of movies, TV shows, and Netflix Originals without commercials. They offer a seamless user experience, whether you’re watching on a smart TV, smartphone, or laptop. With features like high-definition viewing, offline downloads, and a 30-day free trial, Netflix makes binge-watching easy and enjoyable.

Netflix’s revenue primarily comes from its subscription model, with different tiers to suit user needs. It also taps into product placement and is exploring future opportunities like licensing its own content. By constantly investing in original content and leveraging advanced data analytics to enhance the viewing experience, Netflix has cemented itself as a leader in the entertainment industry.

Component	Description
Customer Segments	Streaming subscribers, content enthusiasts, global viewers
Value Proposition	On-demand entertainment, original content, personalized recommendations
Channels	Website, mobile apps, smart TVs, gaming consoles
Customer Relationships	Personalized profiles, recommendation system, customer support
Revenue Streams	Subscription fees, licensing content, partnerships
Key Resources	Content library, streaming technology, user data
Key Activities	Content production, platform development, licensing
Key Partnerships	Studios, content creators, device manufacturers
Cost Structure	Content acquisition, technology infrastructure, marketing

Example #10: Tesla

Tesla is a business model that chooses technology as a benefit. Their customer segments range from high-net-worth individuals and green-conscious buyers to commercial fleet owners and sports car enthusiasts. Tesla appeals to those who value cutting-edge technology, high performance, and energy efficiency.

The value proposition centers around long-range electric vehicles, sleek modern design, and low cost of ownership. Tesla’s cars have advanced features like autonomous driving and access to an extensive charging network, providing flexibility and convenience. By integrating energy storage and solar solutions, Tesla offers more than just cars—it provides a complete ecosystem for sustainable living.

Tesla generates revenue through multiple streams: automotive sales, leasing, energy generation, and services. By managing its own supply chain, including battery production and charging infrastructure, Tesla reduces costs and ensures a high standard of quality.

Component	Description
Customer Segments	Early adopters, luxury car buyers, environmentally conscious consumers
Value Proposition	Electric vehicles, cutting-edge technology, sustainable transportation
Channels	Direct sales, online orders, company-owned showrooms
Customer Relationships	Direct customer interaction, mobile service, over-the-air updates
Revenue Streams	Vehicle sales, energy products, service and maintenance
Key Resources	Manufacturing facilities, technology patents, charging network
Key Activities	Vehicle production, R&D, charging infrastructure development
Key Partnerships	Battery suppliers, technology providers, charging networks
Cost Structure	Manufacturing, R&D, retail operations, charging infrastructure

9 Key Components When Creating Your Own Business Model Canvas

You may notice that all the business model canvas examples above have similar components. You can change the categories if you want, but there are 9 basic building blocks that make up the canvas.

Before you create your own Business Model Canvas, let’s take a closer look at each of these nine elements. Each building block represents each key driver and segment of a business. To fill in these blocks, you need to answer the following questions:

• Customer segments: Who do you target as customers?
• Value proposition: What are your strengths to make customers buy from your business?
• Channels: Which channels do you use to deliver your products or services to the market?
• Customer relationships: What are your strategies to get, keep, and build up the relationships with your customers?
• Revenue streams: How will you make money?
• Key resources: What are the special strategic resources that you own as well as a need?
• Key activities: What will your business do to deliver your value proposition?
• Key Partnerships: What are the non-key activities that you do to help your company focus more on your key activities?
• Cost structures: What are the biggest costs that your business earns?

Now, it’s time to discover the definitions as well as meanings of 9 elements:

Customer segments

The first building block you should look at is Customer Segments. Here is where you will add in all the different customer groups that you will target. Besides naming these customer groups, you can also build one or more personas for each segment your company serves.

Take Nike, for example—they primarily focus on athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday people who want stylish yet functional sportswear. By understanding their customers, they create products and marketing that truly connect with them.

Value proposition

The second building block refers to Value Proposition. It means the values that your company or your service can bring to each customer segment. Before filling in this building block, question yourself what problems you can solve for each customer segment are as well as what needs you can satisfy. In other words, the value proposition means the reasons why customer segments buy from you but not from others.

If you still find it difficult to define, here are some of the most common value propositions:

• The performance quality
• Newness
• The ability to customize depending on customers’ wishes
• The designing
• Brand
• Status
• The pricing plans
• The cost reduction
• The risk reduction
• Simplicity
• Convenience

Channels

How a company delivers its products or services to customers matters just as much as what they sell. Channels can be physical stores, online platforms, mobile apps, or even direct sales.

Amazon is a great example, as it uses a mix of online storefronts, mobile apps, and even physical stores like Amazon Go to reach customers wherever they prefer to shop. The easier and more convenient the channel, the more likely customers are to buy.

Customer relationships

The following building block is about Customer relationships. Here you will enter the way you get, keep, and grow your customer base.

• How you get your customers refers to the ways audiences find out about you and decide to buy things from you. It may be via advertising on Google or posts on social media.
• How you keep your customers looks at the customer service that you offer or discount programs appreciate and help your customers who buy from you.
• How you grow your customers means the way you start to make your customers continue buying and spending money on your company. A very common way is sending a newsletter every month to customers so that they can be informed about the latest campaign and consider buying more.

In order to enter details in this building block, you should understand your customer journey clearly. Question yourself on how your customers find out about you, how they decide to buy your products, how they purchase them, and how they manage after purchasing.

Revenue streams

At the end of the day, a business needs money to survive, and revenue streams define where that money comes from. Some companies rely on a single revenue stream, while others diversify.

Netflix, for example, earns money through monthly subscriptions rather than ads or pay-per-view content, creating a predictable and scalable income model. The right revenue stream depends on what customers are willing to pay for and how they prefer to pay.

Key resources

The first building block to concern when it comes to the left hand is Key Resources. A company’s key resources are the assets it needs to operate and deliver value to customers. These can be physical (factories, stores), intellectual (patents, brand reputation), human (skilled employees), or financial (investments, cash flow).

There are four categories of resources, they include:

• Physical resources: They can be cars, machines, buildings, or distribution networks.
• Human resources: They are your staff members who make your business work in real life. Human resources take an indispensable part in every business. When it comes to creative and knowledge-intensive industries, they seem to be the most important resource of a company.
• Intellectual resources: They are specialist knowledge, documentation, patents and copyrights, partnerships, customer information, or brands.
• Financial resources: They are lines of credit, cash balances, and so on.

Key activities

The next building block is Key activities which refer to the most important strategic things you Must do to make your business model work. Remember that the Key activities block should be completely relevant to the value proposition block.

Check to see whether your Key activities are relatable to your value proposition or not. If they aren’t, then something must be changed. There will be one or more activities you regard as the most important but generate no values or revenue.

There are three main types when it comes to key activities. They are:

• Production: The first one looks at the delivery process of your products. Businesses tend to do this with a high number and high quality at the same time.
• Problem solving: Do you work with consultancies and other service organizations to bring about the best solutions to solve the problems of each customer segment.
• Platform or Network: They can be networks or software platforms as long as they can work as a platform.

Many businesses go in the wrong direction while listing all the activities that are done by their businesses. Prevent yourself from that by only entering activities that are main to delivering your value proposition.

Key Partnerships

No company operates in isolation, and key partnerships help businesses grow and optimize their operations. These could be suppliers, distributors, or even strategic alliances.

Take Spotify as an example. The company has made updating its platform a key activity, but Spotify cannot produce the music it provides. Therefore, the company needs to list its deals with record labels and publishing houses in the Key partners building block.

If you are wondering why your business should create a partnership, it is because of economies of scale. What’s more, that can help prevent yourself from risk and uncertainty which leads to crisis. Finally, it brings about the acquisition of resources or activities.

Cost structures

The last building block is Cost Structure, in which you map key activities to costs. Expenses can be fixed (rent, salaries) or variable (raw materials, advertising), depending on the business model. One thing to keep in mind is making sure all the costs you list are related to your value proposition.

Additionally, Cost structure should be the last building block you fill in. Therefore, after defining your key resources, key activities, and key partnerships, it is necessary to determine the most important costs as well as the most expensive ones.

5 Tips For Generating Quality Business Model Canvas

From the business model canvas examples above plus my own experience, here are the five short and clear tips to help you generate an effective business model canvas for your brand:

1. Be Clear and Concise – Keep each section short and to the point; avoid unnecessary jargon.
2. Focus on the Value Proposition – Clearly define what makes your business unique and why customers should choose you.
3. Identify the Right Customer Segments – Understand who your ideal customers are and tailor your model to meet their needs.
4. Align Revenue Streams with Costs – Ensure your pricing strategy covers expenses and supports profitability.
5. Keep It Flexible and Updated – Continuously refine your model based on market trends and customer feedback.

Bottom Line

Understanding the 10 above real-world Business Model Canvas examples can give you a clearer idea of how successful companies structure their business strategies and revenue streams. Now that you’ve explored these models, take a moment to analyze your own business using the Business Model Canvas and refine it to align with your goals.

FAQs

What is an example of a business model canvas?

An example of a business model canvas is Airbnb’s business model, which includes key partners like hosts, a value proposition of affordable and unique accommodations, and revenue from booking fees.

What are the 9 components of the business model canvas example?

The 9 components are Customer Segments, Value Proposition, Channels, Customer Relationships, Revenue Streams, Key Resources, Key Activities, Key Partnerships, and Cost Structure.

How to write a business canvas model?

Identify and fill in the 9 key components of the business model canvas with relevant details about your business idea, ensuring clarity in each section.

How to write a business model example?

Define your business concept, revenue streams, key activities, and value proposition, then present it in a structured format like the business model canvas or a simple description.

What is a real example of a business model?

Amazon’s business model is a real example, combining e-commerce, cloud computing (AWS), and subscription services (Prime) to generate multiple revenue streams.