WorldReview1989
12–24 Month Financial Projection (Paid-Media Model)
1. Purpose & Assumptions
This projection provides a realistic, conservative financial outlook for WorldReview1989 as a paid-media startup. It is designed for angel / pre-seed discussions, not hype-based valuation.
Core Assumptions
Niche, high-intent audience
Slow but steady audience growth
Monetization led by newsletter subscriptions
Lean operational structure
All numbers are indicative and meant to demonstrate unit economics logic, not precise forecasting.
2. Key Metrics Framework
Audience Metrics
Free newsletter subscribers
Paid subscribers
Conversion rate (free → paid)
Revenue Metrics
Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR)
Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)
Cost Metrics
Content & contributor costs
Tools & infrastructure
Operating overhead
3. Year 1 (Months 1–12) – Foundation Phase
Audience Growth (End of Month 12)
Free subscribers: 5,000
Paid subscribers: 150–250
Conversion rate: 3–5%
Pricing Assumption
Monthly equivalent ARPU: USD 7.50
(blended monthly & annual plans)
Revenue Projection (Month 12)
MRR: USD 1,100 – 1,900
Annualized Run Rate (ARR): USD 13k – 23k
4. Year 1 Costs (Monthly Run Rate)
Content & Editorial
Contributor payments: USD 500 – 800
Editing & review: USD 200 – 300
Tools & Infrastructure
Newsletter platform: USD 100
Hosting / CMS / tools: USD 100
Total Monthly Costs (Y1)
USD 900 – 1,300
➡ Year 1 is near break-even or slightly loss-making by design.
5. Year 2 (Months 13–24) – Growth Phase
Audience Growth (End of Month 24)
Free subscribers: 15,000 – 20,000
Paid subscribers: 800 – 1,200
Conversion rate: 5–6%
Pricing Assumption
ARPU increases to USD 8 – 9
(pricing confidence + premium reports)
Revenue Projection (Month 24)
MRR: USD 6,400 – 10,800
ARR: USD 77k – 130k
6. Year 2 Costs (Monthly Run Rate)
Content & Editorial
Contributors & research: USD 2,000 – 3,000
Managing editor (part-time): USD 1,000 – 1,500
Tools & Infrastructure
Platforms & tools: USD 300 – 400
Total Monthly Costs (Y2)
USD 3,300 – 4,900
7. Unit Economics Snapshot (Year 2)
Gross margin: 60–70%
Revenue predictability: High (subscription-based)
Content scalability: Medium–High
This model prioritizes sustainability over hypergrowth.
8. Funding Logic
Why External Capital Helps
Accelerates contributor onboarding
Improves content depth & frequency
Extends runway for audience building
Capital Efficiency
Lean burn rate
Clear path to breakeven
Optional upside via premium research
9. Investor Takeaway
WorldReview1989 is not built to chase mass-market media economics.
It is built to become:
A trusted niche authority
A recurring-revenue media business
A sustainable independent platform
This financial projection supports a disciplined, long-term media strategy.
WorldReview1989
Independent Insights on Global Finance, Economics, and Geopolitics