Assignment: Case Study on Successful Startup Pivots
Objective: Analyze a startup that successfully pivoted its business model to understand the factors
contributing to its decision, the execution of the pivot, and the outcomes of this strategic shift.
Instructions:
1. Introduction to the Startup
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Identify a startup that has successfully pivoted.
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What is the startup’s mission and vision?
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Provide a brief overview of the startup, including its industry, founding year, and its
founders.
2. Initial Business Model
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Describe the startup’s original business model. What value proposition was it offering?
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Why wasn’t the initial model working? Consider market response, financial sustainability,
competition, or internal challenges.
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What metrics or feedback did the startup use to evaluate its performance and decide on a
pivot?
3. The Pivot
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Detail the new business model the startup shifted to. What changes were made to its
product, market approach, or operations?
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Describe the process of the pivot. How did the startup manage the transition? Consider
aspects like customer communication, internal restructuring, and resource allocation.
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What were the key drivers behind choosing this new direction? Was it a response to a new
opportunity, technology advancement, market demand, or other factors?
4. Impact of the Pivot
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Analyze the impact of the pivot on the startup’s success. Consider growth metrics, market
share, profitability, and other relevant performance indicators.
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How has the pivot affected the startup’s relationship with its customers or users? Consider
changes in customer satisfaction, engagement, and feedback.
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What lessons can be learned from this startup’s pivot that could be applied to other
businesses facing similar challenges?
Deliverable:
Prepare a report (with maximum 4 pages) addressing the above four sections, supplemented by facts, and
references to support your analysis. The report should be structured clearly to cover each of the sections
comprehensively. Visual aids like charts, graphs, or tables can be used to illustrate key points. Conclude
your report with a personal reflection on how this case study influences your understanding of the Lean
Startup methodology and the strategic importance of pivoting.