Two-Sided Markets / Platform Economics

Biological Parallel

Mycorrhizal fungi operate as biological platforms, connecting tree roots to soil nutrient sources. The fungi don't produce nutrients or photosynthesize—they broker exchanges, taking sugars from trees while delivering phosphorus and nitrogen from soil. Like digital platforms, mycorrhizal networks succeed by facilitating transactions between distinct groups (photosynthesizers and nutrient sources), extracting value from exchange volume rather than producing either commodity themselves. A single fungal network can connect hundreds of trees, creating a biological marketplace.