In an emergency podcast episode, guest Prabin Joel Jones and James Gross discuss Bird's bankruptcy and the challenges faced by shared micromobility companies. They explore the implications for the industry and opportunities for new companies. Topics include market entry strategies, scooter lifespan, competitive advantages, and potential acquisitions.
Shared micro-mobility companies with bloated organizations and high cash burn rates are struggling to survive.
Vandalism and theft pose significant challenges for the viability of shared micro-mobility companies in certain areas.
Companies with strong financials have the potential to acquire struggling competitors and consolidate market share in the shared micro-mobility industry.
Deep dives
Bird files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Bird has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in order to restructure and potentially continue operating. The company had limited cash left and needed to raise funds to survive. The acquisition of Spin from Tier was seen as a strategic blunder, as it added more financial strain. The shared micro-mobility market is a high volume, low margin business that is not easily sustainable with traditional venture capital funding.
Challenges in the shared micro-mobility industry
The shared micro-mobility industry faces challenges such as high costs, unsustainable business models, and theft/vandalism. Companies that have bloated organizations and high cash burn rates are struggling to survive. However, some companies that are leaner and have long-term contracts with cities may have a better chance of success. Vandalism and theft remain significant issues that affect the viability of shared micro-mobility companies in certain areas.
Potential for growth and consolidation
There is potential for growth and consolidation in the shared micro-mobility industry. Companies with strong financials can acquire struggling competitors at lower valuations, consolidating market share. Building a successful micro-mobility business requires a top line of at least $200 million, with a gross profit margin of at least 50%. Companies that can adapt and operate efficiently have the opportunity to thrive in the market.
Importance of Swappable Batteries and the Risk of Battery Theft
The podcast discusses the importance of swappable batteries in shared micro-mobility vehicles and the risk of battery theft. Swappable batteries offer benefits, such as addressing concerns about battery theft, as it is difficult to steal cells from these batteries. However, there are also drawbacks, including the potential for additional points of failure and theft of battery packs. The possibility of theft is highlighted through examples of stolen scooter incidents in Paris and the UK. Despite the advantages of swappable batteries, the speaker remains undecided about the best path to take in terms of battery technology for shared micro-mobility.
The Impact of Shared Micro-Mobility on SEGUI and OKAI
The podcast explores the impact of shared micro-mobility on companies like SEGUI and OKAI. SEGUI, which has a profitable business, considers the shared micro-mobility segment to be a small part of its revenue portfolio and potentially a cash-burning business. The speaker suggests that SEGUI might find it challenging to continue running the shared micro-mobility business unless it generates additional revenue. OKAI, on the other hand, faces a higher risk, as its success largely relies on the shared micro-mobility market. The speaker warns that if big players like SEGUI or OKAI fold, smaller companies might try to acquire their assets instead of placing new scooter orders, weakening the market further.
In an emergency podcast episode of Ride On!, James Gross and guest Prabin Joel Jones discuss the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Bird, one of the high flying shared micromobility companies over the last 5 years.. They delve into the financial challenges and strategic missteps of Bird and other companies in the shared micromobility space, considering the broader implications for the industry. They then turn their attention to how you could build a shared micromobility company today and the opportunities that are now present as capital and some of the existing industry heads for the exit.
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