Every once in a while I get contacted by a young entrepreneur – or team. They have some interesting new business or idea to show me. Usually, they are looking for funding. Alas, rarely do they find financial backing in Hungary. However, a handful of these businesses have gone on to Great Things. (For example, this one.)
I rather like the business model behind Prezi. In essence, it’s simplier, fancier version of PowerPoint (although the founders will probably wince when they read me saying this). Rather than executable software, Prezi is a service delivered entirely online. CEO Peter Arvai told me the service is still in beta, but Prezi is already attracting paying customers.
I don’t have a clear idea of the demand for Prezi. However, I do like the subscription software model. In particular, I’ve been a huge fan of SurveyMonkey and I’ve just recently started using their spinoff MailChimp. If Prezi can popularize and sell their service in this fashion, then they have a beautiful future ahead of them.
One question is whether Prezi delivers a service that is significantly better or different than PowerPoint. The related question is how successful the company is in getting the word out. On that last point, it may make sense for the company to sell group licenses for corporate intranets.
While the service is still in beta, you can try it and see for yourself.
it is different and better. It can not really be compared to powerpoint, but brings a new dimension into presentation. I am a frequent speaker and can’t wait to get grab of the beta-version.
About the bizmodel. If good enough, ppl will pay. I think the route of making it a freeware but pay for premium services is the way to go. The freeconomi more or less force prezi to be freeware, but people are willing to pay for quality and save time – after they have realised how much a prezi way will improve their presentations/videos/whatever. But must move fast, there will for sure pop up clones
I will soon try Prezi. I have already subscribed yesterday.Thank you very much.
jef menguin
http://jefmenguin.com