App Economy
- Entry barrier
- High
- Time to cash
- Slow (Dev time)
- Scalability
- Very High
- Main risk
- Platform Risk
How it works
Decoupling time from money by building software assets. You either build for Ongoing Income (The Rent) via subscriptions or for Resale (The Flip) via exit multiples (2.5x-4x ARR).
Why it can work
Zero marginal cost of replication. One server script can serve 10,000 users as easily as 10. A functional app has momentum and earns even when you sleep, unlike a salary.
Ongoing Income (The Rent)
The "Indie Hacker" path. Building B2B Micro-SaaS to solve boring business problems. Goal: High retention, low churn, steady monthly cash flow.
Learn more: Indie Hackers · MicroConf · SaaS Metrics Guide
Resale (The Flip)
Building with intent to sell (Arbitrage). Capitalizing on hot trends (e.g., AI wrappers) to sell quickly on marketplaces. Provides lump sum capital.
Learn more: Acquire.com · Flippa · Empire Flippers
The Barbell Strategy
The hybrid verdict. Build "Boring Utilities" for safety (rent) to cover living expenses, while taking high-risk bets on "Trend Surfers" for potential exits.
Learn more: The Mom Test · Lean Startup · Y Combinator
Original research notes, lightly presented. Figures such as margins or exit multiples are not independently verified; income is never guaranteed.