How to Build 2-Sided E-commerce Marketplaces | Sramana Mitra

The 1Mby1M Methodology is based on case studies. In this course, Sramana Mitra shares the tribal knowledge of tech entrepreneurs by giving students the rare seat at the table with the entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders who provide the most instructive perspectives on how to build a thriving business. Through these conversations, students gain access to case studies exploring the alleys of entrepreneurship. Sramana’s synthesis of key learnings and incisive analysis add great depth to each discussion.

Two-sided marketplaces in all kinds of verticals and niche markets have become a key trend in the e-commerce startup space. In this course, 1Mby1M Founder and CEO Sramana Mitra explores the various nuances and case studies of how entrepreneurs are building two-sided marketplaces. The goal is to learn from people who have done it before. Lessons from the trenches abound in the interviews showcased. Insights, including esoteric ones, offer invaluable guidance for new entrepreneurs building businesses in this category.

All the methodology building blocks you have been learning through Sramana’s entrepreneurship fundamentals courses apply. You can, for instance, bootstrap a two-sided marketplace as a solo entrepreneur, with a paycheck, then raise money (or not). You can build the venture as a virtual company. You can build a Unicorn (or not). You can build a capital-efficient business.

In addition, you will learn domain specific lessons from entrepreneur case studies and thought leader interviews. You will also listen to investor perspectives on marketplace ventures and new trends they (and Sramana) have identified.

Two-sided marketplaces still have a lot of white space. Therefore, entrepreneurs looking for ideas to develop as new startups would do well to study the trend and the opportunities thereof.