Defensibility

The ability of a business to maintain its competitive position and protect against competitive threats over time.

Definition

Defensibility refers to how well a company can protect its market position and prevent competitors from eroding its competitive advantages. Strong defensibility creates sustainable moats that allow companies to maintain pricing power and market share over long periods.

Sources of Defensibility

Network Effects

Product becomes more valuable with more users

Switching Costs

High cost or effort to change providers

Economies of Scale

Cost advantages from size

Brand Loyalty

Strong customer preference and trust

Real-World Example

Salesforce CRM: High switching costs and network effects

Enterprise customers invest heavily in customization and training, making it costly to switch to competitors. The platform becomes more valuable with more integrations.

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