16 Sep 2011

B2B, B2C, B2B2C, and B2S

In the startup world, "B2B" and "B2C" are familiar terms that were coined in the 90s:

B2B = startups whose customers/users are businesses
B2C = startups whose customers/users are consumers

Lately I've been hearing "B2B2C" which although a bit clumsy sounding is useful:

B2B2C = businesses who partner with other businesses to reach customers/users who are consumers

Finally, I propose the term "B2S" to refer to an especially risky type of startup that usually emerges in markets where VC money is plentiful:

B2S = businesses who sell only or primarily to other startups