How Will KangAi Commune Earn a Living and Become Sustainable?

We did not pay much attention to this question at first. We only had a vague feeling: if we really have value, how could we fail to earn even enough to support ourselves?!

So we never seriously thought this question through.

Even when venture capitalists raised it, we only responded perfunctorily and never put forward a clear revenue plan.

That is also why venture capital has never favored us—though we do not mind, knowing well that misusing capital can hurt you. And since we still had quite a lot of money on hand, why bother thinking about making money?

But a series of later events taught us a lesson:

1. Without a visible revenue model, members will have doubts and worries. The doubt: what money do you live on? Will you earn income by fabricating cases? The worry: how can long-term sustainability be guaranteed? What if the Commune no longer exists when I need help in the future?

2. Without a visible revenue model, even job applicants are unwilling to come. Today's job seekers are increasingly experienced and realistic; high-minded sentiment alone persuades fewer and fewer people. A project with no profit potential cannot attract talent. I recently interviewed several internet professionals and already felt the pressure.

3. The free model is being questioned more and more. At a forum in Beijing, a professor said: I never use free services on the internet.

So the Commune must seek a revenue model. In the near future we will make some attempts in the medical and insurance fields. Of course, all services will be centered on serving society, and we will never force members to buy or consume anything; when it comes to commercial content, we must exercise as much restraint as possible. If a project cannot benefit members, no matter how high the profit, the Commune will not consider it. Along the way we hope to hear members' opinions, and we will adjust wherever we are wrong.

We hope to break even this year without relying on outside funding. The process will be difficult; we ask for members' support.