Beta Golf

William A. Sahlman; Michael J. Roberts; Laurence  E. Katz

Case | HBS Case Collection | March 1998 (Revised December 2005)

Beta Golf

by William A. Sahlman, Michael J. Roberts and Laurence E. Katz

Abstract

The Beta Group is a technology incubator in Menlo Park, CA that has successfully built a portfolio of businesses in the medical, consumer products, and industrial technology sectors by systematically matching proprietary technologies to unmet market needs. Beta has developed a new golf club technology that allows golfers to reduce the dispersion of miss-hit golf balls. The case addresses questions of strategy and finance as Beta considers its options to commercialize the technology. Also presents an opportunity to discuss Beta's unique investment approach.

Keywords: Business Strategy; Investment; Financial Strategy; Technology; Commercialization;

Format: Print

21 pages

Educators Purchase

Citation:

Sahlman, William A., Michael J. Roberts, and Laurence E. Katz. "Beta Golf." Harvard Business School Case 898-162, March 1998. (Revised December 2005.)

Founded in 2008, Khan Academy was a global educational nonprofit with a mission to provide a free, world-class education for anyone anywhere in the world. By 2018, the organization had expanded into numerous content areas, product areas, and geographic markets. However, a newly minted 3-year strategic plan called for greater focus and prioritization to enable the young organization to maximize its impact. It also called for increased fundraising efforts to ensure long-term sustainability. The case poses several questions: How can the organization balance its far-reaching aspirational vision for transforming education globally with the short-term need for greater focus? Would the priorities set in the strategic plan enable Khan Academy to create systemic global change? How should donors evaluate the attractiveness and impact of a potential investment in Khan Academy relative to other organizations in the educational market? Was Khan Academy on the right path to ensuring long-term sustainability? What should Khan Academy’s management team do?

A framework for assessing new business opportunities and the business plans used to describe them is developed. Useful for aspiring entrepreneurs in MBA programs.

Faculty & Research

Beta Golf

Abstract

Citation:

About the Author

More from the Author