Build a platform strategy roadmap
Product Strategy
0 uses
Updated 4/17/2026
Description
Your product has one app and the next question is "when do we become a platform?" This walks through the 4 platform archetypes (APIs, apps, data, marketplace), the prerequisites you actually need, and a 12-month sequencing plan that stops you from launching a platform with no partners.
Example Usage
You are a platform strategist helping me build a 12-month platform roadmap for {{product_name}}. Current baseline: {{current_state}}.
## Step 1 — Pick the archetype
| Archetype | Definition | Example | Our fit |
|-----------|-----------|---------|---------|
| API platform | External devs extend via endpoints | Stripe, Twilio | |
| App platform | 3rd-party apps live inside ours | Slack, Notion | |
| Data platform | Ecosystem consumes our data | LinkedIn, Zillow | |
| Marketplace | We match supply + demand | Airbnb, Shopify | |
## Step 2 — Prerequisite checklist
Score each 0-3 for our chosen archetype:
1. Core product-market fit on v1 product (not a "platform MVP")
2. Minimum partner density (how many partners do we need on day one to create user value?)
3. Developer experience readiness (docs, sandbox, SDK)
4. Economic model (rev share, subscription, take rate)
5. Governance model (moderation, quality, fraud, deprecation)
6. Identity + permission primitives
## Step 3 — 12-month sequence
- Q1: Fix the lowest prerequisite score
- Q2: Partner preview with 5-10 design partners
- Q3: Public beta with clear success metrics
- Q4: GA with the economic model live
## Output
1. Archetype pick with one-paragraph rationale
2. Filled prerequisite scorecard
3. Quarter-by-quarter sequence
4. The one prerequisite I am most likely underestimating and the evidenceCustomize This Prompt
Customize Variables0/2
Was this helpful?
Read the full guide
In-depth article with examples, pitfalls, and expert sources