JamBase – an emerging, sustainable business model

Interesting overview in today’s Mashable about Jambase, a music/concert information search/social networking service. JamBase has been operating for 10 years now and things seem to be coming together for them. Latest stats are:

• over 500,000 users
• 40,000 artists
• 50 genres
• 50,000 venues covered

What got me thinking were the core elements behind JamBase’s success. They are global, offer near real-time, host social networking where users can personalised their JamBase, share information & upload user-generated content as well as having easy access professional artist music. Revenues are from advertising and concert/artist promotion. Joining-up is free…but you have to nominate at least one friend’s email address to complete the registration.

My impression is that the numbers indicate network effects gaining momentum…the reach is global and participative…seems to add-up to a sustainable new business model.