FuturistU > Business > New Business Models > Module 1 / 4

Intro to New Business Models

Instructor: Mary Van Puymbroeck
New Business Models
Download the New Business Models Trend Report
Today's rapidly changing business landscape means it can be hard to find strategic clarity. The rise of the peer-to peer economy and the direct-to-consumer disruption of multiple industries has shifted power from industry heavyweights into the hands of startups and small businesses that are more responsive to shifting consumer needs. But since the advent of the gig and sharing economies, how has our world changed?

In this module, Senior Research Advisor and Futurist Mary Van Puymbroeck will take you through the three macro trends driving this evolution forward; Many-to-Many, Simplicity and Instant Entrepreneurship.
Related Trend Report: New Business Models
Access Advisory Services

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Escapist Game
Game developers launch low-stakes farming-centric games for comfortable escapism
Trend - Game developers are increasingly releasing cozy farming games that offer serene, low-pressure virtual environments. These titles focus on gentle gameplay and emotional escapism—cultivating crops, caring for animals, and building intimate communities in picturesque, pastoral settings.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create engaging and relaxing experiences that current desires of its consumers?
3.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
play_circle_filledCreature-Collecting Action Games
Creature-Collecting Action Games
'Farmagia' Enables Players to Raise an Army of Monsters
‘Farmagia,’ developed by Marvelous Inc., is an upcoming action RPG that combines elements of monster farming and combat. Set in the world of Felicidad, players take on the role of Ten, a... MORE
Cozy Village Sim Games
Cozy Village Sim Games
The Tales of the Shire Game Helps Villagers Complete Tasks
The Tales of the Shire game is a new experience that forms a gentle and low-stakes way of playing in the realm of Bagginses. It takes place somewhere between the end of The Hobbit, and before it... MORE
Serene Rural Farming Games
Serene Rural Farming Games
Stardew Valley is Receiving a New Major Update for 2024
‘ConcernedApe,’ the developer behind the massively popular title ‘Stardew Valley,’ announced via a Steam Community post that the game will be receiving the long-awaited... MORE
Dairy Farm-Focused Games
Dairy Farm-Focused Games
GameSquare Taps Dairy MAX to Debut a Fortnite Farm Tycoon Campaign
GameSquare is teaming up with Dairy MAX, a dairy advocacy group, to launch a new map and campaign for Fortnite’s Farm Tycoon. Farm Tycoon, developed by Moonlight Studios, sees players assume... MORE
AI Dataset
AI brands are enabling rapid, affordable advancements in AI language model development.
Trend - Brands are launching specialized datasets and streamlined training tools aimed at speeding up the development of AI language models while lowering associated costs. These solutions include optimized data curation, scalable training frameworks, and resource-efficient algorithms.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage optimized data curation and scalable frameworks to accelerate innovation while minimizing costs in our industry?
4.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Low-Cost AI Learning Frameworks
Low-Cost AI Learning Frameworks
Alibaba's ZeroSearch Enables AI to Search Themselves
ZeroSearch is a reinforcement learning framework developed by Alibaba to enhance the search capabilities of large language models (LLMs) without relying on external search engines. Traditional AI... MORE
LLM Training Datasets
LLM Training Datasets
Refuel.ai Debuts a Large Language Model Called Refuel Cloud
Refuel.ai Inc. has introduced its Refuel Cloud platform, designed to streamline the preparation of datasets for artificial intelligence (AI) training. With the Refuel Cloud platform, the company is... MORE
High-Quality AI-Training Image Datasets
High-Quality AI-Training Image Datasets
Defined.ai Partners with Getty Images to Train AI
The collaboration between Defined.ai and Getty Images may introduce a significant advancement in the availability of ethically sourced, high-quality image datasets for AI training. By utilizing... MORE
Dataset Creation Tools
Dataset Creation Tools
Create GPT Fine-Tuning Datasets Quickly with Prompteasy.ai's AI Tool
Prompteasy.ai simplifies the process of creating datasets for fine-tuning GPT models. This AI-powered tool enables users to generate customized datasets quickly by engaging in a conversational setup... MORE
AI Sustainability
AI brands are creating sustainability-focused ESG tools for businesses
Trend - AI-powered sustainability tools are emerging as assets for businesses aiming to reduce their environmental impact. These tools utilize artificial intelligence to analyze data, predict outcomes, and optimize processes, enabling businesses to make more informed sustainability decisions.
Workshop Question - How might your brand leverage AI to enhance sustainability efforts and meet the growing demand for transparency and accountability among environmentally-conscious consumers?
5.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Business-Focused Environmental Responsibility Tools
Business-Focused Environmental Responsibility Tools
WildSight Targets Corporate Leaders
WildSight has introduced an innovative platform aimed at helping businesses develop and implement effective eco strategies. The AI-powered solution is designed to simplify the complex landscape of... MORE
GenAI Planogram Tools
GenAI Planogram Tools
Optimum Retailing Launched Realgram AI at NRF 2025
At NRF 2025,  in-store intelligence and merchandise management platform Optimum Retailing launched Realgram AI, the industry’s first AI-driven, store-specific planogram tool to support... MORE
AI-Powered Enterprise Solutions
AI-Powered Enterprise Solutions
Arcadia Helps to Understand Complex Energy Landscape
Arcadia has introduced AI-powered enterprise solutions to help businesses manage their energy needs more efficiently. These solutions "bring together scattered data and processes into unified... MORE
AI-Backed Sustainability Tools
AI-Backed Sustainability Tools
Bain & Company Debuts an AI-Powered Sustainability Readiness Tool
Bain & Company is introducing a new artificial intelligence-powered sustainability readiness tool that is expected to help industry leaders who desire a method to accelerate their businesses' eco... MORE
Omnichannel Acceleration
Brands diversify retail presence across digital & physical channels
Trend - As traditional DTC models face growing challenges from supply chain disruptions and shifting consumer preferences, brands are rapidly expanding their presence across multiple retail channels. This expansion includes leveraging retail media networks, exploring social commerce, maintaining brick-and-mortar locations, and creating seamless experiences between digital and physical touchpoints.
Workshop Question - How can your brand create more seamless connections between its various retail channels?
5.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI-Powered Ecommerce Technologies
AI-Powered Ecommerce Technologies
Hugo Boss Launches a New AI-Powered Product Content Feature
Hugo Boss is enhancing its online customer experience by incorporating artificial intelligence technologies that streamline product discovery and interaction. Launching globally, the brand hopes... MORE
Efficient Omnichannel Fulfillment Centers
Efficient Omnichannel Fulfillment Centers
National Logistics Services is Building in Caledon
National Logistics Services has announced the construction of a new, highly automated omnichannel fulfillment center in Caledon, Ontario. This 624,000 square foot facility, which will feature state-... MORE
Omnichannel Automotive Services
Omnichannel Automotive Services
Automotive Mastermind has Adapted to Modern Consumer Patterns
Automotive Mastermind has adopted an omnichannel approach to automotive sales to address the evolving consumer patterns in the industry. This strategy integrates various channels, including online... MORE
Omnichannel Messaging Platforms
Omnichannel Messaging Platforms
DIDWW Aims to Streamline Global Business Communications
With global business communications on the rise, leading telecom operator DIDWW recently announced the launch of its omnichannel Messaging Platform to streamline international communication.... MORE
AI Service Automation
Service as a software AI solutions transform back-office operations
Trend - While consumer-facing AI applications continue to capture public attention, innovative companies are developing AI-powered solutions that transform traditionally human-intensive back-office operations. These solutions are creating new efficiencies in areas like accounting, compliance, customer service, and operational management by augmenting or automating routine tasks while maintaining service quality.
Workshop Question - How could your organization leverage AI to scale its service operations more efficiently?
4.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Comprehensive Analytics Platforms
Comprehensive Analytics Platforms
Heap by ContentSquare is a Smart Platform for Customer Analytics
The Heap service from Contentsquare is an advanced analytics platform designed to provide comprehensive insights into user behavior across web and mobile applications. By combining Heap’s... MORE
Restaurant Management Software
Restaurant Management Software
RestautoManager Simplifies Inventory, Staffing, and Online Orders
RestautoManager is a comprehensive restaurant management solution designed to streamline daily operations for food service businesses. This all-in-one software allows restaurant owners and managers... MORE
play_circle_filledAI Booking Agents
AI Booking Agents
MyNestor Affordably Helps Solo Professionals Manage Their Bookings
Being a solopreneur often means juggling every task alone, from marketing to administration, and while hiring outside help isn’t always within a small business’ budget, MyNestor was tailor-... MORE
Simplified SaaS Blogging
Simplified SaaS Blogging
OutBlogMe Streamlines Your Blogging and SEO for Your SaaS Project
OutblogMe is a NextJS boilerplate specifically designed to streamline the blogging and SEO processes for Software as a Service (SaaS) businesses. By providing a comprehensive framework, it allows... MORE
Supplier Fair
Brands are attending supplier diversity fairs to identify businesses to invest in
Trend - Brands are increasingly attending conferences and fairs that promote businesses from diverse suppliers. These events, which typically feature minority-, women-, veteran-, and LGBTQ+-owned companies, foster relationships between large corporations in search of vendors that meet diversity criteria.
Workshop Question - How can your brand source certain aspects of its product/service from marginalized communities?
3.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Diverse Supplier Fairs
Diverse Supplier Fairs
The LADWP Hosts a New Supplier Diversity Fair for Black History Month
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is officially hosting a new Supplier Diversity Fair for Los Angeles businesses looking to invest in underrepresented communities. Featuring a... MORE
Enlightening Supplier-Based Events
Enlightening Supplier-Based Events
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Unveils a Supplier Diversity Event
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is investing in small, diverse businesses by hosting its first Supplier Diversity Conference & Expo at the brand’s dedicated hotel. With over 700 participants... MORE
Diversifying University Supplier Initiatives
Diversifying University Supplier Initiatives
The Supplier Diversity Fair Aims to Support Locals
Stony Brook University’s Office of Procurement held its annual Supplier Diversity Fair in September in alignment with the new school year; attracting exhibitors, faculty, and staff members. This... MORE
Inclusive University Supplier Initiatives
Inclusive University Supplier Initiatives
Penn State is Debuting a Supplier Diversity Trade Fair
Penn State is set to host a Supplier Diversity Trade Fair for businesses located within the university or in its adjacent communities. Participants will have the chance to engage in one-on-one... MORE
Portable Solar
Energy companies are creating compact solar-charged batteries for travel purposes
Trend - Brands in the portable power station industry are creating battery banks and charging solutions powered by solar energy. These are designed to be reliable and sustainable when compared to plug-in competitors, as they provide renewable energy solutions while fully disconnected from the grid.
Workshop Question - How could your brand improve its sustainability efforts by investing in or implementing renewable energy sources?
4.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Off-Grid Solar Energy Units
Off-Grid Solar Energy Units
The 'Iris' Portable Solar Tracker Has an All-in-One Design
The ‘Iris’ portable solar tracker is an all-in-one off-grid energy solution engineered with eco power access in mind to help users enjoy energy at their leisure. The unit has an advanced... MORE
Easily-Rechargeable Portable Chargers
Easily-Rechargeable Portable Chargers
The Solix 522 from Anker can Use Four Charging Solutions
The Anker Solix 522 Portable Power Station is designed to provide reliable power for various electronic devices. It features a 299Wh capacity, which allows it to charge multiple devices... MORE
Trolley-Style Power Stations
Trolley-Style Power Stations
The UGREEN PowerRoam 2200 Has a 2,048Wh Capacity
The UGREEN PowerRoam 2200 power station is a portable solution for avid campers or off-grid enthusiasts alike to keep them connected no matter their location. The power station is built on a set of... MORE
Performance-Driven Portable Power Station
Performance-Driven Portable Power Station
Growatt Introduces the Infinity 2000
Growatt, a prominent player in the solar energy sector, introduces its latest innovation, the INFINITY 2000 portable power station. The innovation, aside from bringing efficiency and convenience to... MORE
Solar-Powered Heated Seats
Solar-Powered Heated Seats
The GoSun Solar Seat Offers Warmth on Cold Days
The GoSun Solar Seat is a portable seating solution perfect for sports fans and outdoor adventurers alike to use as a way to enjoy exterior spaces for longer without having to deal with the chill of... MORE
Open-Source Driving
Open source projects are being created to develop and train autonomous driving
Trend - Both companies and individual researchers in the autonomous vehicle industry are launching open-source tools to enhance self-driving capabilities. On both the hardware and software side, these tools are widely applicable and can be used to simulate errors in self-driving models, improving safety.
Workshop Question - How could your brand's product or service benefit from open-source collaboration?
7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Open-Source Autonomous Driving Projects
Open-Source Autonomous Driving Projects
Autoware Foundation is Building Comprehensive Self-Driving
Autoware is an open-source software project designed to facilitate the development and deployment of autonomous driving technology. Hosted by the Autoware Foundation, the project is built on the... MORE
Open-Source Self-Driving Applications
Open-Source Self-Driving Applications
Comma.ai's Openpilot is Easily Installed in Most Vehicles
Comma.ai’s open source self-driving application, known as ‘openpilot,’ is a driver assistance system designed to enhance vehicle automation. Openpilot provides functionalities such as... MORE
Advanced Self-Driving Solutions
Advanced Self-Driving Solutions
Wayve is Building an Embodied AI 'Robot Brain' for Vehicles
Wayve’s Embodied AI self-driving solutions leverage advanced artificial intelligence to enhance autonomous driving capabilities. The technology employs a domain-optimized model architecture that... MORE
play_circle_filledAutonomous Driving Testing Models
Autonomous Driving Testing Models
'CARLA' is an Open-Source Tool for Autonomous Driving Research
The CARLA simulator is an open-source platform designed to facilitate the development, training, and validation of autonomous driving systems. Developed from the ground up, CARLA provides a... MORE
Open-Source Self-Driving Tools
Open-Source Self-Driving Tools
OpenPodcar is a Hardware and Software Self-Driving Solution
The OpenPodcar is an open-source platform designed for self-driving car research. It is based on a hard-canopy mobility scooter, which is modified to become a fully autonomous vehicle. The platform... MORE
Magnetic Power Bank
Startups are launching competitive magnetic power banks with unique features
Trend - Magnetic power banks are transforming mobile charging for iPhone users with their innovative magnetic attachment feature. Sparked by Apple's MagSafe battery pack, numerous startups have introduced alternatives with extra features or better pricing, broadening consumer choices. This technology enhances convenience and meets the growing demand for seamless, integrated smartphone accessories.
Workshop Question - How can your brand enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal for consumers in a mobile-driven market?
6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Magnetic Cooling Power Banks
Magnetic Cooling Power Banks
The sharge ICEMAG Powers the iPhone and Performs Active Cooling
The sharge ICEMA magnetic power bank is a MagSafe-enabled portable charging solution positioned as the first of its kind in the world to accommodate a multifunctional user experience. The power... MORE
Magnetic Multifunctional Power Banks
Magnetic Multifunctional Power Banks
The TORRAS MagSafe Battery Pack Has a 10,000mAh Capacity
The TORRAS MagSafe Battery Pack is a multifunctional power bank engineered with the needs of mobile professionals alike in mind to help them stay connected in an efficient way. The power bank is... MORE
Magnetic High-Power Smartphone Batteries
Magnetic High-Power Smartphone Batteries
The RAVPower 10,000mAh Power Bank is MagSafe-Compatible
The RAVPower 10,000mAh Power Bank is a multifunctional mobile solution for smartphone users to integrate into their setup as a way to ensure all-day connectivity. The power bank features the... MORE
Cassette-Inspired Power Banks
Cassette-Inspired Power Banks
The 'Flashtape' Wireless Magnetic Power Bank Has a Retro Design
The ‘Flashtape’ wireless magnetic power bank is a retro-style accessory for mobile device users to add into their equipment collection as a way to stay connected in a decidedly stylish... MORE
Embedded Lending
Tech companies enhance their offerings with Buy Now, Pay Later financial services
Trend - Embedded lending is reshaping financial services by allowing non-financial companies to offer loans and financing, such as Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options exemplified by Apple Pay Later. This trend extends beyond consumer finance into the B2B realm, providing small and medium-sized businesses with faster access to capital through various funding methods like merchant cash advances and revenue-based financing.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage embedded lending to enhance customer experiences and create new revenue streams through tailored financial solutions?
2.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
BNPL Shopping Subscriptions
BNPL Shopping Subscriptions
Klarna Adds a Subscription Plan for Frequent Shoppers
Klarna, the leading buy now, pay later provider, is launching its new subscription service across the U.S., priced at $7.99 per month, marking a significant move after a successful pilot phase.... MORE
BNPL Bank Programs
BNPL Bank Programs
Marqeta and Credi2 Collaborate to Enhance the Banks' Payment Capabilities
Marqeta has partnered strategically with Credi2 to offer an end-to-end installment platform tailored for banks. This collaboration addresses the increasing consumer demand for flexible and seamless... MORE
Affordable BNPL Programs
Affordable BNPL Programs
Apple Introduces the Apple Pay Later Program to US Market
Apple’s buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) solution, Apple Pay Later, is now available in the US markets. With the help of the new offering, customers will be able to make four interest- and fee-free... MORE
BNPL-Enabled Home Retailers
BNPL-Enabled Home Retailers
At Home Debuts the Buy-Now-Pay-Later Program for Qualifying Purchases
At Home is a home decor store and a valuable resource for consumers looking to decorate or furnish their space. As the result of a new initiative, the brand is launching a new buy-now-pay-later... MORE