Peers Inc

About the Author

Robin Chase is a trailblazing entrepreneur known for her innovative contributions to the transportation sector. She is the co-founder of Zipcar, a company that revolutionized car-sharing and paved the way for the collaborative economy. Chase has also founded Veniam, Buzzcar, and GoLoco, each disrupting and innovating in their respective areas. Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in the World, Chase's insights have been featured in the New York Times, NPR, Wired, Newsweek, and BusinessWeek.

Main Idea

In her book Peers Inc: How People and Platforms Are Inventing the Collaborative Economy and Reinventing Capitalism, Robin Chase explores the transformative power of the collaborative economy. The core idea is that when the best of individual and corporate strengths are combined, a potent creative force is unleashed. The "Inc" in these collaborations provides scale and resources, while the "Peers" bring localization, specialization, and customization. This synergy taps into existing excess capacity, making economic and social transformations possible in ways previously unimaginable.

Table of Contents

1. The Building Blocks
2. Execution From Scratch
3. Transforming Our Future

The Building Blocks

Excess Capacity

Excess capacity refers to the untapped potential within existing resources. Chase explains how Zipcar leveraged the idle time of cars to create a cost-effective alternative to ownership. This concept extends beyond transportation; platforms like Airbnb and Etsy utilize excess capacity in homes and handmade goods, respectively.

"Sharing is actually figuring out how to tap into existing excess capacity." - Robin Chase

how excess capacity is harnessed:

• Airbnb: Utilizes the unused space in homes for short-term rentals.
• Etsy: Empowers artisans to sell handmade items directly to consumers.
• BlaBlaCar: Shares empty car seats for long-distance travel.

The beauty of utilizing excess capacity is its inherent cost efficiency. Instead of investing in new resources, these platforms make use of what already exists, reducing the need for additional capital. For instance, Airbnb transformed the hospitality industry by leveraging the surplus space in homes, turning them into rentable accommodations without the overhead costs associated with building new hotels.

Platforms for Participation

Platforms simplify, organize, and empower participation. They standardize interactions and create a reliable system for peers to engage with. For example, Zipcar's platform made it easy for users to rent cars by the hour, ensuring convenience and reliability.

"Platforms organize, standardize and simplify participation." - Robin Chase

Key functions of platforms:

• Slicing: Breaking down large, lumpy resources into smaller, usable units (e.g., renting a car by the hour).
• Aggregating: Combining many small resources to create a reliable, consistent service (e.g., Airbnb).
• Opening: Allowing new, innovative uses of resources (e.g., Google Maps).

Platforms not only make it easier for users to access services but also enable rapid scaling and growth. By aggregating resources, they create value that attracts more users, which in turn enhances the platform's utility. This network effect is a fundamental principle of successful platforms.