Instructor Resource
Neck, Entrepreneurship, 1e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Case Notes
Chapter 8: Building Business Models
Meredith Perry, Founder & CEO of uBeam
Summary
Meredith Perry’s journey as founder and CEO of uBeam began when she attempted to use her
gifted scientific mind to figure out a solution to a specific problem/question: “How can I
cordlessly charge my technological devices (phone, computer, music player, etc.).” Despite
being told by a variety of very smart people that the problem could not be solved, Meredith
Analysis
Meredith Perry is a classic example of someone who evaluated and then acted on a unique
business opportunity. The big question remains, can she turn her brilliant idea and
unprecedented opportunity into a marketable business model and plan that generates cash. If
she can, her customer value proposition (CVP) is extraordinary because her customer segments
are virtually limitless—anyone who uses any kind of technological device would hugely benefit
from her invention.
Sample Answers to Case Questions
1. What do you think Meredith Perry’s business model will look like assuming uBeam is successful
in building a working prototype of a wireless charger? (Take into account the FOUR [4] parts of
a business model in your answer).
Instructor Resource
Neck, Entrepreneurship, 1e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Sample Answer:
2.) Ubeam’s customers will potentially include anyone and everyone who uses technological
devices.
3.) Assuming its working prototype is successful; Ubeam’s infrastructure will eventually include
everything required to build, operate, and perpetuate a large corporation (like Google or
4). Ubeam’s financial viability will depend on its ability to offset infrastructural costs with
2. What specific Customer Value Propositions (CVP) do you think Meredith Perry and her
company, uBeam, are taking into account as they plan for the future?
3. Assuming they succeed in producing a profitable wireless charger, what Customer Segments do
you think uBeam will eventually target?
4. What additional, related products and services might a company like uBeam consider inventing,
building, and selling if they succeed with their wireless chargers?
Sample Answer: Answers will vary from student-to-student. Technologically creative students