Definition
Outcomes-based model
Pricing tied to a delivered result rather than to tools, seats, or hours.
From the episode “Hiring Is an Operations Problem, Not an HR Problem”Hear it on the podcast1 episode
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Outcome-as-a-ServiceA business model in which a company sells a delivered result - the hired candidate, the filed permit, the completed design system - rather than access to a software tool or platform. Distinct from SaaS (which charges for tool usage) and traditional professional services (which charge for human hours), outcome-as-a-service charges for the actual output the customer wanted. AI makes this model economically viable at scale for the first time: the marginal cost of executing the outcome has fallen dramatically, allowing small teams to profitably deliver results that previously required large staffing operations. The customer pays for relief rather than capability, which shifts pricing anchors upward and reduces price sensitivity. Brennan's framing: 'for the first time ever, you can sell outcomes not tools.'Outcome-based payCompensation tied to the result delivered, not hours logged.Outcome-Based PricingA commercial model where the vendor is paid based on delivered business outcomes rather than seats, licenses, or usage. EvoluteIQ uses this as its primary commercial structure.Outcome-based servicesPricing engagements on a defined result rather than billable hours or headcount.P-Win (Probability of Win)The internal metric defense contractors use to decide whether to pursue an opportunity. Higher P-Win means more resources get allocated to the pursuit.Pattern interruptA message unusual enough that it stops a busy buyer in their tracks.Pay Per TransactionA pricing model in which users pay per use, per action, or per output rather than a recurring subscription. Cy advocates for more AI tools offering this model — many tools would see substantially higher adoption if users could pay $1–5 for a single use rather than committing to $20/month subscriptions that create guilt when underused. Better for casual or episodic use cases; harder to build investor narratives around than subscription ARR.Pay-Per-Minute PricingA pricing model for time-based expert services providing full transparency to both parties per unit of time consumed. Lowers friction for helpers to offer casual availability ('I've got 30 minutes, let me see what comes in') vs. committing to a full freelance engagement. Makes value exchange continuous and visible: both sides know the per-minute rate, the running total, and what's being paid for. Creates a market for brief high-value interventions (10–20 minute sessions) that hourly or project-based pricing structures don't accommodate.