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  • January 2003 (Revised May 2005)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Zipcar: Refining the Business Model

By: Myra M. Hart, Michael J. Roberts and Julia Stevens
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:20
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Abstract

Zipcar is a start-up organized around the idea of "sharing" car usage via a membership organization. This case describes several iterations of the Zipcar business model and financial plan. These iterations include a very early version and a version developed just prior to the launch of the business, as well as data from the first few months of operations. Students are called on to analyze the underlying economics and business model for the venture and to discover how these assumptions are holding up as the business is actually rolled out.

Keywords

Service Operations; Renting or Rental; Business Model; Business Plan; Entrepreneurship; Economic Growth; Management Skills; Transportation; Business Startups; Financial Strategy; Corporate Finance; Growth and Development Strategy; Transportation Industry; Service Industry

Citation

Hart, Myra M., Michael J. Roberts, and Julia Stevens. "Zipcar: Refining the Business Model." Harvard Business School Case 803-096, January 2003. (Revised May 2005.)
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About The Author

Myra M. Hart

→More Publications

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    Ardian—The Sale of Diana

    By: Paul A. Gompers and Michael Roberts
    • June 2013 (Revised August 2017)
    • Faculty Research

    Coupa

    By: Michael Roberts and William Sahlman
More from the Authors
  • Sam Martin & Cathy Slater By: Shikhar Ghosh, Michael J. Roberts and Christopher Payton
  • Ardian—The Sale of Diana By: Paul A. Gompers and Michael Roberts
  • Coupa By: Michael Roberts and William Sahlman
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