Who invented the freemium model?

Can you tell me who exactly came up with the freemium model? Was it an individual or a team that devised this innovative pricing strategy? I'm particularly curious about the motivation behind its creation and how it's evolved over time. Is there a specific industry or company that can be credited with its inception, or did the concept emerge organically from market trends and consumer behavior? Additionally, I'm interested in understanding the impact the freemium model has had on various sectors, particularly in the realm of cryptocurrency and finance.