HMSolution and the search for product-market fit
Publication date: 9 April 2020
Abstract
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes are as follows: business model pivot, minimum viable product, strategic alliances, return on equity and burn-rate.
Case overview/synopsis
HMSolution’s (HM’s) mission is removing arsenic from drinking water. The case tells how HMS pivoted its business model between 2014 and 2015 and its challenge when faced with several growth opportunities. The first possible partner company proposed adopting HMS’s technology through either an alliance or outsourcing. The second company wanted to acquire HMS. However, Margaret – the founder and CEO – managed to find a third option in the form of an important sanitation sewage treatment company in Chile with international presence, with which she could reach a wider territory in her country of origin, as well as in other countries where that company had a presence. This case study presents Margaret’s dilemma of deciding the best course to follow and finding the best fit for her product and the needs of the market.
Complexity academic level
The instructor can adapt the requirements and depth of the topics addressed, ranging from an undergraduate audience to an executive training audience. Undergraduate courses, namely, entrepreneurship, business creation, administration and strategy. For students of business careers, administration, commercial engineering, industrial civil engineering and industrial engineering. Continuous training, namely, entrepreneurship, business creation, administration and strategy.
Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge and thank the founder, Margaret Lengerich, who has contributed immensely to making this case study as fun, informative, and interesting as possible. We would also like to express our particular because of the anonymous reviewers and the editor of the “Cases in Spanish” for contributing their knowledge and clinical expertise to the improvement of this case study.Disclaimer. This case is written solely for educational purposes and is not intended to represent successful or unsuccessful managerial decision-making. The authors may have disguised names; financial and other recognizable information to protect confidentiality.
Citation
Leiva, F. and Kuschel, K. (2020), "HMSolution and the search for product-market fit", , Vol. 10 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/EEMCS-11-2019-0319
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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