Unit of value:<ul><li>What your customers pay for.</li><li>The smallest measurable unit at which your product or service delivers value.</li><li>Examples: servers, user seats, TBs of storage, API calls.</li></ul>Your unit of value determines how you price, scale and sell your product to customers.

Unit of value

Single units of value<ul><li>Dropbox / Office 365 - one user</li><li>VMWare - one server</li></ul>Medium/Team units of value<ul><li>GitHub - dev team</li><li>Salesforce - 3-4 sales reps</li></ul>Big units of value<ul><li>SAP - ERP for entire company</li><li>Oracle - Enterprise apps for entire company</li></ul>

Unit of value examples

From the 80/20 rule you know a few customers will drive your sales. Your goal is to find that handful of customers and scale them up. The goal is to create non-linear value for them.Build out your offerings so the more your customers consume, the more value they get. Sell additional products at scale, like management, monitoring, or security.One way to increase value is through network effects: more users = more value. Examples: collaboration tools (GitHub) and communication platforms (Slack).

Create non-linear value

<ol><li>Define your unit of value: What is the smallest unit of your product that delivers value to your customers?</li><li>Create a roadmap to increase that value as you scale. Identify ways to increase value as you and your customers grow. Figure out how to combine your services to create non-linear value over time.</li></ol>

Apply this to your startup

<img src="https://image.slidesharecdn.com/unit-of-value-deck-v2-160125234305/95/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling-1-638.jpg?cb=1453836633" title="Unit of Value: A Framework for Scaling" alt="Unit of Value
A Framework for Scaling
Jerry Chen
 " width="785" height="302"><OL><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="2" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/2-As_a_startup_you_entera" title="As a startup, you enter" dir="ltr">
 As a startup, you enter
 </a>
 a classic battle of David vs. Goliath.
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="4" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/4-TechnologyDeep_Innovative_IPDistributionChannelSales_ForcePartnersExisting_Customersvs" title="Technology Deep Innovative IP Distribution" dir="ltr">
 Technology Deep Innovative IP Distribution
 </a>
 Channel Sales Force Partners Existing Customers vs.
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="5" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/5-Can_a_startup_build_distributionbefore" title="Can a startup build distribution" dir="ltr">
 Can a startup build distribution
 </a>
 before the incumbent builds or acquires tech? - Aneel Bhusri Workday &amp; Greylock
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="6" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/6-To_compete_withgiants_it_becomes" title="To compete with giants, it" dir="ltr">
 To compete with giants, it
 </a>
 becomes a race to scale and build go-to-market quickly enough with a product.
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="7" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/7-Product_market_fitNew_innovativetechnologyLarge_marketHow" title="Product - market fit New," dir="ltr">
 Product - market fit New,
 </a>
 innovative technology Large market How do you get your product to market? GTM
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="9" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/9-Impacts_howmuch_moneyto_raiseDeterminesprofit_marginsat" title="Impacts how much money to" dir="ltr">
 Impacts how much money to
 </a>
 raise Determines profit margins at scale Your cost of distribution must match what customers are willing to pay GTM
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="10" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/10-GTM_Things_to_think_aboutChannel" title="GTM: Things to think about" dir="ltr">
 GTM: Things to think about
 </a>
 Channel Customer Acquisition Costs Partnerships Awareness &amp; Trial PricingPackaging Unit of Value
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="11" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/11-Unit_of_Valuenoun1_The_smallest" title="Unit of Value noun 1." dir="ltr">
 Unit of Value noun 1.
 </a>
 The smallest measurable unit at which your product or service delivers value.
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="12" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/12-Unit_of_Valuenoun2_The_unit" title="Unit of Value noun 2." dir="ltr">
 Unit of Value noun 2.
 </a>
 The unit of scaling used when increasing your product in pricing or services. 3. What your customers pay for. E.g. servers, TB of storage, API calls, users
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="13" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/13-Your_unit_of_value_determineshow" title="Your unit of value determines" dir="ltr">
 Your unit of value determines
 </a>
 how you price, scale, and sell your product to your customers.
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="14" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/14-A_unit_of_value_canvary" title="A unit of value can" dir="ltr">
 A unit of value can
 </a>
 vary from: small to large
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="15" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/15-Single_Units_of_Value_One" title="Single Units of Value :" dir="ltr">
 Single Units of Value :
 </a>
 One User : One Server : One User : One Container
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="16" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/16-MediumTeam_Units_of_Value_Team" title="Medium/Team Units of Value :" dir="ltr">
 Medium/Team Units of Value :
 </a>
 Team or Department : Team or Department : Dev Team : 3-4 Sales Reps /
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="17" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/17-Big_Units_of_Value_Big" title="Big Units of Value :" dir="ltr">
 Big Units of Value :
 </a>
 Big data e.g. terabytes : Entire clusters of servers : HCM for entire company : ERP for entire company or LOB : Enterprise apps for entire company
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="18" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/18-Every_startup_has_adifferent_size" title="Every startup has a different" dir="ltr">
 Every startup has a different
 </a>
 size unit of value. Bigger is not better, smaller is not better.
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="19" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/19-Bigger_Units_of_Value_Have" title="Bigger Units of Value -&amp;#x202F;" dir="ltr">
 Bigger Units of Value - 
 </a>
 Have bigger deals &amp; longer sales cycles -  Big deals don’t mean it’s a big market. The Big Questions: -  How do I build a cost effective direct sales force? -  How do I build an advantaged go-to-market?
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="20" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/20-Smaller_Units_of_Value_Have" title="Smaller Units of Value -&amp;#x202F;" dir="ltr">
 Smaller Units of Value - 
 </a>
 Have smaller deals &amp; shorter sales cycles The Big Questions: -  How do I create a cost effective channel? -  How do I scale up the value?
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="21" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/21-To_reach_100M_in_revenuethere" title="To reach $100M in revenue," dir="ltr">
 To reach $100M in revenue,
 </a>
 there are a multiple unit of value paths to take.
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="22" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/22-Rules_of_thumb_to_reach" title="Rules of thumb to reach" dir="ltr">
 Rules of thumb to reach
 </a>
 $100M Target Price GTM Volume $0.10 $100 &lt;$10K $10-20K+ $100K 1B calls 1M &gt;10,000 5000-10,000 1,000 API call self service dead zone inside sales direct sales
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="23" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/23-Companies_on_either_the_far" title="Companies on either the far" dir="ltr">
 Companies on either the far
 </a>
 left or right tend to work well. Companies in the “dead zone” don’t reach $100M as easily. Target Price GTM Volume $0.10 $100 &lt;$10K $10-20K+ $100K 1B calls 1M &gt;10,000 5000-10,000 1,000 API call self service dead zone inside sales direct sales
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="24" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/24-Case_Study_ACompany_A_API" title="Case Study A: Company A" dir="ltr">
 Case Study A: Company A
 </a>
 (API Service) Pricing: &lt; $0.10 per API call 50% of bookings are from customer paying $25k+ Takeaway: Company A has a small unit of value, but has managed to scale up customers to do big $25k+ deals. *Company name is kept anonymous for protection.
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="25" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/25-Case_Study_BCompany_B_Cloud" title="Case Study B: Company B" dir="ltr">
 Case Study B: Company B
 </a>
 (Cloud app infra service w/ 50k users) Pricing: avg monthly customer &lt; $50 5% of customers drive 50% of monthly recurring revenue Takeaway: Company B also has a small unit of value, but has scaled up a handful of customers to drive half of their revenue. *Company name is kept anonymous for protection.
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="26" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/26-The_Big_TakeawayA_few_customers" title="The Big Takeaway A few" dir="ltr">
 The Big Takeaway A few
 </a>
 customers can drive sales. Companies A &amp; B scaled up a handful of customers to be very profitable. .. But how?
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="27" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/27-The_goal_is_to_create" title="The goal is to create" dir="ltr">
 The goal is to create
 </a>
 non-linear value. Sum of Units Value
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="28" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/28-Going_NonLinear_You_want_to" title="Going Non-Linear -&amp;#x202F; You want" dir="ltr">
 Going Non-Linear -  You want
 </a>
 to build out your offerings so the more your customers consume, the more value they receive -  Sell additional products at scale (e.g. management, monitoring, security) -  Sell to a different / additional buyer (CTO, CIO, CFO)
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="29" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/29-If_you_can_scale_nonlinearly" title="If you can scale non-linearly," dir="ltr">
 If you can scale non-linearly,
 </a>
 it becomes harder and harder for you to be displaced.
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="30" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/30-Ways_toIncreaseValue1_Network_effects2_Standardization3" title="Ways to Increase Value 1.&amp;#x202F;" dir="ltr">
 Ways to Increase Value 1. 
 </a>
 Network effects 2.  Standardization 3.  Platforms
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="31" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/31-Network_EffectsMetcalfes_LawThe_value_of" title="Network Effects Metcalfe&amp;#x2019;s Law: The" dir="ltr">
 Network Effects Metcalfe’s Law: The
 </a>
 value of a network is proportional to the square of the number of connected users on the system. More users = More value
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="32" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/32-Network_Effects_Build_a_product" title="Network Effects -&amp;#x202F; Build a" dir="ltr">
 Network Effects -  Build a
 </a>
 product or service that will enable network effects to create non-linear value for your customers/users. Examples: -  collaboration tools -  communication platforms
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="33" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/33-StandardsAsk_yourselfCan_this_product_be" title="Standards Ask yourself: &amp;#x201C;Can this" dir="ltr">
 Standards Ask yourself: “Can this
 </a>
 product be a de facto standard? Within a company, within a market, within an industry?”
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="34" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/34-Standards_are_powerful_They_reduce" title="Standards are powerful -&amp;#x202F; They" dir="ltr">
 Standards are powerful -  They
 </a>
 reduce complexity and costs for enterprises who standardize their apps. -  De facto standards + network effects often lead the winner of every industry to gain the majority of market share. Examples: -  Languages &amp; frameworks -  MS .ppt &amp; .doc formats
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="35" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/35-but_they_can_change_The" title=".. but they can change" dir="ltr">
 .. but they can change
 </a>
 -  The de facto standard within a company or even within an entire industry can change very quickly. Example: -  Browser wars
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="36" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/36-Platforms_Platforms_take_the_longest" title="Platforms -&amp;#x202F; Platforms take the" dir="ltr">
 Platforms -  Platforms take the
 </a>
 longest to build but will yield massive economic benefits if built right. Ways to create non-linear value: 1.  Build a “system of record” e.g. a database 2.  Become the ”glue layer” between layers of tech 3.  Application and cloud platforms try to be both storage (data) and glue
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="37" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/37-PlatformsCreate_or_find_asystem_of" title="Platforms Create or find a" dir="ltr">
 Platforms Create or find a
 </a>
 system of record and build a platform on top of it. When you control that data, you can build analytics, third party apps, etc. to create non-linear value. Customer records Employer records Asset records
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="38" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/38-PlatformsBecome_theglue_layer_betweentechnologiesAs_an" title="Platforms Become the glue layer" dir="ltr">
 Platforms Become the glue layer
 </a>
 between technologies. As an intersection between multiple layers of tech, your product will become an important platform to build on top of. Infrastructure Storage Networking Monitoring Management Security
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="39" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/39-PlatformsApplications_and_cloudplatforms_aim_to" title="Platforms Applications and cloud platforms" dir="ltr">
 Platforms Applications and cloud platforms
 </a>
 aim to be both a system of record and a glue layer by storing customer’s data. They also connect the broader ecosystem of applications, API services, and other startups.
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="40" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/40-MiddlewareMessagingDatabaseSystemsMonitoringData_StorageDatabaseasaserviceApplicationsStartups_APIServicesCloud_Platforms_InfrastructureBroader" title="Middleware Messaging Database Systems Monitoring" dir="ltr">
 Middleware Messaging Database Systems Monitoring
 </a>
 Data Storage Database as-a-service ApplicationsStartups API Services Cloud Platforms Infrastructure Broader Ecosystem System of Record
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="41" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/41-How_to_scale_up_your" title="How to scale up your" dir="ltr">
 How to scale up your
 </a>
 unit of value Sum of Units Value Aim to be the customer standard Sell additional products e.g. management, monitoring, security, etc. Create platform ecosystem
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="42" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/42-Make_a_conscious_choice_Dont" title="Make a conscious choice. -&amp;#x202F;" dir="ltr">
 Make a conscious choice. - 
 </a>
 Don’t expect to fall into your go-to-market strategy. -  Don’t be pushed into your unit of value by your customers, partners, or competitors. -  Be thoughtful about how to charge and go- to-market and you can be highly disruptive.
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="43" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/43-For_exampleCost_per_userFreeUnit_of" title="For example: Cost $ per" dir="ltr">
 For example: Cost $ per
 </a>
 user Free Unit of Value One User Eyeballs (one user’s attention) With Google Docs, Google made a conscious choice to charge differently than Microsoft for the same unit of value (users) and monetized attention for ads and search.
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="44" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/44-Dont_be_afraid_to_iterateWhen" title="Don&amp;#x2019;t be afraid to iterate." dir="ltr">
 Don’t be afraid to iterate.
 </a>
 When thinking about your go-to-market strategy: hypothesize, try new things, and don’t be afraid to walk away if things aren’t working.
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="46" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/46-First_define_your_unit_of" title="First, define your unit of" dir="ltr">
 First, define your unit of
 </a>
 value. -  *Ask: What is the smallest unit of your product or service that’s delivering value to your customers? -  Make sure your go-to-market strategy matches your unit of value. * Be honest about it.
 </LI><LI>
 
 <a data-slide="47" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/47-And_then_create_a_road" title="And then, create a road" dir="ltr">
 And then, create a road
 </a>
 map to increase that value as you scale. -  Identify ways you can increase your value as you and your customers grow. -  Figure out how you can layer and stack your services and technology on top of each other to create non-linear value over time.
 </LI></OL>

Jerry Chen, partner at Greylock and former VP of Cloud and Application Services at VMware, shares his Unit of Value framework for startups building a go-to-mar…

business

Business

startup

Startups

<ol><li><a data-slide="2" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/2-As_a_startup_you_entera" title="As a startup, you enter">As a startup, you enter </a>a classic battle of David vs. Goliath. </li><li><a data-slide="4" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/4-TechnologyDeep_Innovative_IPDistributionChannelSales_ForcePartnersExisting_Customersvs" title="Technology Deep Innovative IP Distribution">Technology Deep Innovative IP Distribution </a>Channel Sales Force Partners Existing Customers vs. </li><li><a data-slide="5" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/5-Can_a_startup_build_distributionbefore" title="Can a startup build distribution">Can a startup build distribution </a>before the incumbent builds or acquires tech? - Aneel Bhusri Workday &amp; Greylock </li><li><a data-slide="6" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/6-To_compete_withgiants_it_becomes" title="To compete with giants, it">To compete with giants, it </a>becomes a race to scale and build go-to-market quickly enough with a product. </li><li><a data-slide="7" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/7-Product_market_fitNew_innovativetechnologyLarge_marketHow" title="Product - market fit New,">Product - market fit New, </a>innovative technology Large market How do you get your product to market? GTM </li><li><a data-slide="9" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/9-Impacts_howmuch_moneyto_raiseDeterminesprofit_marginsat" title="Impacts how much money to">Impacts how much money to </a>raise Determines profit margins at scale Your cost of distribution must match what customers are willing to pay GTM </li><li><a data-slide="10" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/10-GTM_Things_to_think_aboutChannel" title="GTM: Things to think about">GTM: Things to think about </a>Channel Customer Acquisition Costs Partnerships Awareness &amp; Trial PricingPackaging Unit of Value </li><li><a data-slide="11" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/11-Unit_of_Valuenoun1_The_smallest" title="Unit of Value noun 1.">Unit of Value noun 1. </a>The smallest measurable unit at which your product or service delivers value. </li><li><a data-slide="12" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/12-Unit_of_Valuenoun2_The_unit" title="Unit of Value noun 2.">Unit of Value noun 2. </a>The unit of scaling used when increasing your product in pricing or services. 3. What your customers pay for. E.g. servers, TB of storage, API calls, users </li><li><a data-slide="13" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/13-Your_unit_of_value_determineshow" title="Your unit of value determines">Your unit of value determines </a>how you price, scale, and sell your product to your customers. </li><li><a data-slide="14" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/14-A_unit_of_value_canvary" title="A unit of value can">A unit of value can </a>vary from: small to large </li><li><a data-slide="15" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/15-Single_Units_of_Value_One" title="Single Units of Value :">Single Units of Value : </a>One User : One Server : One User : One Container </li><li><a data-slide="16" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/16-MediumTeam_Units_of_Value_Team" title="Medium/Team Units of Value :">Medium/Team Units of Value : </a>Team or Department : Team or Department : Dev Team : 3-4 Sales Reps / </li><li><a data-slide="17" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/17-Big_Units_of_Value_Big" title="Big Units of Value :">Big Units of Value : </a>Big data e.g. terabytes : Entire clusters of servers : HCM for entire company : ERP for entire company or LOB : Enterprise apps for entire company </li><li><a data-slide="18" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/18-Every_startup_has_adifferent_size" title="Every startup has a different">Every startup has a different </a>size unit of value. Bigger is not better, smaller is not better. </li><li><a data-slide="19" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/19-Bigger_Units_of_Value_Have" title="Bigger Units of Value -&amp;#x202F;">Bigger Units of Value - </a>Have bigger deals &amp; longer sales cycles - Big deals don’t mean it’s a big market. The Big Questions: - How do I build a cost effective direct sales force? - How do I build an advantaged go-to-market? </li><li><a data-slide="20" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/20-Smaller_Units_of_Value_Have" title="Smaller Units of Value -&amp;#x202F;">Smaller Units of Value - </a>Have smaller deals &amp; shorter sales cycles The Big Questions: - How do I create a cost effective channel? - How do I scale up the value? </li><li><a data-slide="21" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/21-To_reach_100M_in_revenuethere" title="To reach $100M in revenue,">To reach $100M in revenue, </a>there are a multiple unit of value paths to take. </li><li><a data-slide="22" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/22-Rules_of_thumb_to_reach" title="Rules of thumb to reach">Rules of thumb to reach </a>$100M Target Price GTM Volume $0.10 $100 &lt;$10K $10-20K+ $100K 1B calls 1M &gt;10,000 5000-10,000 1,000 API call self service dead zone inside sales direct sales </li><li><a data-slide="23" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/23-Companies_on_either_the_far" title="Companies on either the far">Companies on either the far </a>left or right tend to work well. Companies in the “dead zone” don’t reach $100M as easily. Target Price GTM Volume $0.10 $100 &lt;$10K $10-20K+ $100K 1B calls 1M &gt;10,000 5000-10,000 1,000 API call self service dead zone inside sales direct sales </li><li><a data-slide="24" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/24-Case_Study_ACompany_A_API" title="Case Study A: Company A">Case Study A: Company A </a>(API Service) Pricing: &lt; $0.10 per API call 50% of bookings are from customer paying $25k+ Takeaway: Company A has a small unit of value, but has managed to scale up customers to do big $25k+ deals. *Company name is kept anonymous for protection. </li><li><a data-slide="25" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/25-Case_Study_BCompany_B_Cloud" title="Case Study B: Company B">Case Study B: Company B </a>(Cloud app infra service w/ 50k users) Pricing: avg monthly customer &lt; $50 5% of customers drive 50% of monthly recurring revenue Takeaway: Company B also has a small unit of value, but has scaled up a handful of customers to drive half of their revenue. *Company name is kept anonymous for protection. </li><li><a data-slide="26" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/26-The_Big_TakeawayA_few_customers" title="The Big Takeaway A few">The Big Takeaway A few </a>customers can drive sales. Companies A &amp; B scaled up a handful of customers to be very profitable. .. But how? </li><li><a data-slide="27" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/27-The_goal_is_to_create" title="The goal is to create">The goal is to create </a>non-linear value. Sum of Units Value </li><li><a data-slide="28" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/28-Going_NonLinear_You_want_to" title="Going Non-Linear -&amp;#x202F; You want">Going Non-Linear - You want </a>to build out your offerings so the more your customers consume, the more value they receive - Sell additional products at scale (e.g. management, monitoring, security) - Sell to a different / additional buyer (CTO, CIO, CFO) </li><li><a data-slide="29" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/29-If_you_can_scale_nonlinearly" title="If you can scale non-linearly,">If you can scale non-linearly, </a>it becomes harder and harder for you to be displaced. </li><li><a data-slide="30" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/30-Ways_toIncreaseValue1_Network_effects2_Standardization3" title="Ways to Increase Value 1.&amp;#x202F;">Ways to Increase Value 1. </a>Network effects 2. Standardization 3. Platforms </li><li><a data-slide="31" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/31-Network_EffectsMetcalfes_LawThe_value_of" title="Network Effects Metcalfe&amp;#x2019;s Law: The">Network Effects Metcalfe’s Law: The </a>value of a network is proportional to the square of the number of connected users on the system. More users = More value </li><li><a data-slide="32" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/32-Network_Effects_Build_a_product" title="Network Effects -&amp;#x202F; Build a">Network Effects - Build a </a>product or service that will enable network effects to create non-linear value for your customers/users. Examples: - collaboration tools - communication platforms </li><li><a data-slide="33" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/33-StandardsAsk_yourselfCan_this_product_be" title="Standards Ask yourself: &amp;#x201C;Can this">Standards Ask yourself: “Can this </a>product be a de facto standard? Within a company, within a market, within an industry?” </li><li><a data-slide="34" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/34-Standards_are_powerful_They_reduce" title="Standards are powerful -&amp;#x202F; They">Standards are powerful - They </a>reduce complexity and costs for enterprises who standardize their apps. - De facto standards + network effects often lead the winner of every industry to gain the majority of market share. Examples: - Languages &amp; frameworks - MS .ppt &amp; .doc formats </li><li><a data-slide="35" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/35-but_they_can_change_The" title=".. but they can change">.. but they can change </a>- The de facto standard within a company or even within an entire industry can change very quickly. Example: - Browser wars </li><li><a data-slide="36" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/36-Platforms_Platforms_take_the_longest" title="Platforms -&amp;#x202F; Platforms take the">Platforms - Platforms take the </a>longest to build but will yield massive economic benefits if built right. Ways to create non-linear value: 1. Build a “system of record” e.g. a database 2. Become the ”glue layer” between layers of tech 3. Application and cloud platforms try to be both storage (data) and glue </li><li><a data-slide="37" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/37-PlatformsCreate_or_find_asystem_of" title="Platforms Create or find a">Platforms Create or find a </a>system of record and build a platform on top of it. When you control that data, you can build analytics, third party apps, etc. to create non-linear value. Customer records Employer records Asset records </li><li><a data-slide="38" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/38-PlatformsBecome_theglue_layer_betweentechnologiesAs_an" title="Platforms Become the glue layer">Platforms Become the glue layer </a>between technologies. As an intersection between multiple layers of tech, your product will become an important platform to build on top of. Infrastructure Storage Networking Monitoring Management Security </li><li><a data-slide="39" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/39-PlatformsApplications_and_cloudplatforms_aim_to" title="Platforms Applications and cloud platforms">Platforms Applications and cloud platforms </a>aim to be both a system of record and a glue layer by storing customer’s data. They also connect the broader ecosystem of applications, API services, and other startups. </li><li><a data-slide="40" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/40-MiddlewareMessagingDatabaseSystemsMonitoringData_StorageDatabaseasaserviceApplicationsStartups_APIServicesCloud_Platforms_InfrastructureBroader" title="Middleware Messaging Database Systems Monitoring">Middleware Messaging Database Systems Monitoring </a>Data Storage Database as-a-service ApplicationsStartups API Services Cloud Platforms Infrastructure Broader Ecosystem System of Record </li><li><a data-slide="41" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/41-How_to_scale_up_your" title="How to scale up your">How to scale up your </a>unit of value Sum of Units Value Aim to be the customer standard Sell additional products e.g. management, monitoring, security, etc. Create platform ecosystem </li><li><a data-slide="42" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/42-Make_a_conscious_choice_Dont" title="Make a conscious choice. -&amp;#x202F;">Make a conscious choice. - </a>Don’t expect to fall into your go-to-market strategy. - Don’t be pushed into your unit of value by your customers, partners, or competitors. - Be thoughtful about how to charge and go- to-market and you can be highly disruptive. </li><li><a data-slide="43" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/43-For_exampleCost_per_userFreeUnit_of" title="For example: Cost $ per">For example: Cost $ per </a>user Free Unit of Value One User Eyeballs (one user’s attention) With Google Docs, Google made a conscious choice to charge differently than Microsoft for the same unit of value (users) and monetized attention for ads and search. </li><li><a data-slide="44" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/44-Dont_be_afraid_to_iterateWhen" title="Don&amp;#x2019;t be afraid to iterate.">Don’t be afraid to iterate. </a>When thinking about your go-to-market strategy: hypothesize, try new things, and don’t be afraid to walk away if things aren’t working. </li><li><a data-slide="46" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/46-First_define_your_unit_of" title="First, define your unit of">First, define your unit of </a>value. - *Ask: What is the smallest unit of your product or service that’s delivering value to your customers? - Make sure your go-to-market strategy matches your unit of value. * Be honest about it. </li><li><a data-slide="47" dir="ltr" href="https://www.slideshare.net/greylockpartners/unit-of-value-a-framework-for-scaling/47-And_then_create_a_road" title="And then, create a road">And then, create a road </a>map to increase that value as you scale. - Identify ways you can increase your value as you and your customers grow. - Figure out how you can layer and stack your services and technology on top of each other to create non-linear value over time. </li> </ol>

Unit of Value: A Framework for Scaling

Unit of value

Unit of value examples

Create non-linear value

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