The study aims to uncover the important value drivers of platform-based marketing business models. A qualitative research approach is used based on 15 expert interviews from Pakistani online platform-based companies, which helps to unravel the construct and gains insights into this specific business model type and its value drivers. The results show four different categories of value drivers: organization and scaling, financial performance, the environment, governance and control mechanisms. Furthermore, the article provides information on the similarities and differences between the results of the literature and the interview results. In contrast to the previous literature, the paper provides an overview of a large number of value drivers. In addition, the present results can help platform operators in their strategic planning and, in addition to the value drivers, show them concrete measures for a successful implementation of a platform.