HomeGrocer.com: Anatomy of a Failure
12 Pages Posted: 27 Mar 2015
Date Written: March 1, 2014
Abstract
This case study examines the initiation, financing, development, and failed merger of an ambitious online grocery retail venture: HomeGrocer.com. It highlights the risks and challenges associated with developing a revolutionary venture. Even though the HomeGrocer.com team did many things right developmentally, some key errors and unfortunate timing resulted in them expanding too quickly and running low on cash. It also forced them to make a tough strategic decision about whether to scale back operations and renege on their IPO commitments or merge with a well-funded competitor, Webvan. The case discusses lessons that can be learned from business failure.
Keywords: Business models, Entrepreneurship, Venture financing, Online grocery, Merger, Bankruptcy, Teaching case
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