Managing Startups: Best Blog Posts

Chapter 12. Business Model Canvas for Puppies (Part I)

Tristan Kromer

As some of you may know, TaskRabbit launched a new business model on April 1, 2012: Puppies-as-a-Service.

Although they chose not to continue down that path, I think it’s a fabulous idea and it’ll make a great example to use with our new Business Model Canvas.

Note

For those not familiar with US traditions, April 1st is also known as April Fools’ Day, and it generally involves a lot of silliness.

(Update: Truth is stranger than fiction, and there are no new ideas—Suzanne McElwee points out that there is a pet rental service in New York.)

Puppies-as-a-Service

In her post, Leah Busque, founder and CEO of TaskRabbit, laid out an impressive vision to change the world:

Puppies are highly social and adorable animals, a leading source of uncontrollable joy and delight, with a cuddle presence on all seven continents.

I couldn’t agree more. While I’d love to have a dog, it’s a lot of effort, and I don’t have room in my tiny San Francisco box apartment. If I could just rent a puppy for rainy days I’d probably be much less of a jerk and the world would be a better place.

But how can I make this vision come true? Let me start by laying it out with the Business Model Canvas.

Note

The Business Model Canvas I use here is my own variation that I’ve even adjusted since some valid criticism by Erich von Hauske. But this example will still work ...