How AI Is Rewriting Business Models: Real Examples & Strategic Shifts
Business models aren’t just being upgraded—they’re being rebuilt with AI at the core. From personalization to platforms, AI is driving entirely new ways of creating, delivering, and capturing value.
AI Business Model Shifts in Action
For SMEs: GHD’s Personalization Play
GHD (Good Hair Day) launched CurlFinder, an AI-powered tool that recommends styling products based on hair type. This signals a move from one-off product sales to personalized services that deepen customer engagement and open doors to subscriptions.
For Corporate Leaders: eBay and DHL Embed AI Deeply
eBay now uses AI to generate product descriptions from photos, streamlining listings for over 10 million sellers. Meanwhile, DHL‘s internal AI assistant, Gaia, supports training, translation, and operations—enhancing agility across teams and borders.
For Consultants & Trainers: Microsoft & Nvidia Show the Way
Firms like Microsoft and Nvidia are evolving from product-based sales to AI-powered ecosystems and platforms. Consultants can follow suit by turning their frameworks into scalable, AI-enabled IP and diagnostics tools.
Strategic Edge: OpenAI & Perplexity’s Bold Moves
OpenAI plans to build trillion-dollar data centers, selling AI infrastructure. Perplexity shares 80% of its AI browser revenue with content publishers—a new play in monetization and ecosystem building.
Summary Table: Shifts by Segment
| Segment | Company Example | Shift Enabled by AI |
|----------------------|---------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| SMEs | GHD (CurlFinder) | Product → Personalization-as-a-Service |
| Corporate Leaders | eBay, DHL | Efficiency → Embedded AI in revenue ops |
| Consultants/Trainers | Microsoft, Nvidia | Advice → Scalable AI-enabled IP |
| Strategic Innovators | OpenAI, Perplexity | Tech → Platform & Ecosystem Monetization |
What You Can Do Now
- Start with one high-impact use case: personalization, pricing, or prediction.
- Audit your current model for revenue or efficiency gaps AI can close.
- Consider new models: subscriptions, data monetization, or ecosystem plays.
- Turn insight into IP—make your services scalable with AI.
Ready to Rethink Your Model?
AI isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a business model shift.
Book a discovery session to explore your top AI use cases, find model gaps, and co-create a 90-day transformation roadmap.
