Netflix

Not so much a single innovation as the successful application and extension of an innovative business model, Netflix has impressed by building on what it already had. Taking advantage of the growing digital economy, it’s changed the way television, in particular, is accessed and absorbed

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

2014 was the year Regeneron’s Genetics Centre became fully operational, and new research collaborations, including with Columbia University, were announced. The centre will allow Regeneron to continue its work in biopharmaceuticals

Airbnb

In 2014, Airbnb launched its first global marketing campaign – ‘Views’, by agency Pereira & O’Dell – to showcase its offerings around the world. It worked – the company has continued to grow, and Airbnb is now enshrined in tourists’ thinking

Sallie Krawcheck, Ellevate

Krawcheck’s purchase of women’s networking club 85 Broads, which she rebranded as ‘Ellevate’, has helped open up chances to professional women across the globe. In a world in which equal pay and opportunities have still not been achieved, her efforts are a welcome step

Tinder

Tinder’s popularity continues to grow, but monetising the dating app was the next logical stage of its development. The company has done that with Tinder Plus, a subscription service that offers much-requested features such as the ability to ‘undo’ accidental swipes, and change one’s location

Online dating has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years, going through a period of revolution and re-establishing itself as market drivers come and go. That was until Tinder arrived on the scene, and completely realigned the way dating service providers perform. Tinder capitalised on the growth of the smartphone market, and its addictive swiping system appealed instantly to the digital generation. The service is available across platforms.

Supplements

Innovation 40 - 2014

Netflix

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

Airbnb

Sallie Krawcheck, Ellevate