Alexander Osterwalder

Dr. Alexander Osterwalder is a Swiss business theorist, author, speaker, consultant, and entrepreneur. He is one of the world’s most influential innovation experts, a leading author, and an in-demand speaker whose work has changed the way established companies do business and how new ventures get started. Recognized as an authority in the field of business model innovation, his efforts have educated over 5 million people on the subject.

Ranked No. 4 of the top 50 management thinkers worldwide, Osterwalder is known for simplifying the strategy development process and turning complex concepts into digestible visual models. Together with Yves Pigneur, he invented the Business Model Canvas, Value Proposition Canvas, and Business Portfolio Map – practical tools that are trusted by millions of business practitioners from leading global companies.

His entrepreneurial journey began in 1999 when he co-founded his first startup, Netfinance.ch, focusing on financial literacy. In 2006, Osterwalder founded BusinessModelDesign.com and later in 2010, he co-founded the consultancy firm Strategyzer. Strategyzer, Osterwalder’s company, provides online courses, applications, and technology-enabled services to help organizations effectively and systematically manage strategy, growth, and transformation.

Osterwalder has an extensive writing portfolio including the international bestseller Business Model Generation, Value Proposition Design, Testing Business Ideas, The Invincible Company, and the recently launched High-Impact Tools for Teams. Additionally, he has published articles on e-business model design and business model clarification.