Publications
Publications
- June 2023
- HBS Case Collection
Block: Creating an Ecosystem of Ecosystems
By: Lauren Cohen, Richard Ryffel, Grace Headinger and Ruoshi Qi
Abstract
At Investor Day 2022, Block announced a new vision for its businesses: creating an ecosystem of ecosystems. Outside the norm for many public growth companies, Block had recently acquired a variety of new business streams in the creator economy and Bitcoin despite a volatile macroeconomic outlook. At the same time Wall Street was growing concerned about slowing payment volume growth in Block’s core business streams and the new initiatives’ added expenses. Would an ‘ecosystem of ecosystems’ strategy again build upon the company’s strong track record and enhance its business model as promised? How could the company balance reluctant investors and Wall Street skeptics while investing in its new initiatives?
Keywords
Business Growth; Fintech; Company Management; Growth Strategy; Innovation And Strategy; Acquisition; Business Growth and Maturation; Business Model; Change; Finance; Growth Management; Growth and Development Strategy; Innovation Strategy; Technological Innovation; Communication Strategy; Corporate Strategy; Business Strategy; Financial Services Industry; Technology Industry; United States; California; San Francisco
Citation
Cohen, Lauren, Richard Ryffel, Grace Headinger, and Ruoshi Qi. "Block: Creating an Ecosystem of Ecosystems." Harvard Business School Case 223-055, June 2023.