MIT Sloan logo

MIT Sloan is the leader in research and teaching in AI. Dive in to discover why.

contact

MBA

Through intellectual rigor and experiential learning, this full-time, two-year MBA program develops leaders who make a difference in the world.

Leaders for Global Operations

Earn your MBA and SM in engineering with this transformative two-year program.

Master of Finance

A rigorous, hands-on program that prepares adaptive problem solvers for premier finance careers.

Master of Business Analytics

A 12-month program focused on applying the tools of modern data science, optimization and machine learning to solve real-world business problems.

Master of Science in Management Studies

Combine an international MBA with a deep dive into management science. A special opportunity for partner and affiliate schools only.

PhD

A doctoral program that produces outstanding scholars who are leading in their fields of research.

Undergraduate

Bring a business perspective to your technical and quantitative expertise with a bachelor’s degree in management, business analytics, or finance.

MBA Early (Deferred admissions option)

Apply now and work for two to five years. We'll save you a seat in our MBA class when you're ready to come back to campus for your degree.

Executive Programs

MIT Executive MBA

The 20-month program teaches the science of management to mid-career leaders who want to move from success to significance.

MIT Sloan Fellows MBA

A full-time MBA program for mid-career leaders eager to dedicate one year of discovery for a lifetime of impact.

System Design & Management

A joint program for mid-career professionals that integrates engineering and systems thinking. Earn your master’s degree in engineering and management.

Executive Education

Non-degree programs for senior executives and high-potential managers.

Visiting Fellows

A non-degree, customizable program for mid-career professionals.

Teaching Resources Library

Leadership

Entrepreneurship

Robin Chase, Zipcar and an Inconvenient Discovery

By

Deborah L. Ancona

Jul 24, 2014

Abstract

In October 2000, with just a couple of weeks until the three-month-old car sharing startup closed on its first round of funding, Zipcar co-founder Robin Chase made an alarming discovery: the amount of revenue that Zipcars had generated for the month of September was half of what she estimated. After spending the previous 10 months networking, building a team, overseeing technology development, seeking funding, and otherwise navigating the confusing maze of twists and turns that entrepreneurs face in launching new ventures this was one set-back she was not expecting. The question facing Chase was what could and should she do to set the company on a profitable course, and fast, while safeguarding the company’s developing relationship with its 430 members.

"Robin didn’t have any particular fears about informing people about the ‘handwriting on the wall.’" – Jean Hammond (MIT Sloan MBA ’86), Zipcar’s first investor

Learning Objectives

To introduce students to the MIT Sloan 4 Capabilities Leadership Framework as a way to evaluate a leader’s strengths and weaknesses; highlight the challenges and trade offs entrepreneurs face in launching new ventures.

Appropriate for the Following Course(s)

leadership; entrepreneurship

Robin Chase, Zipcar and an Inconvenient Truth

*TEACHING NOTES AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE TO EDUCATORS WHO HOLD TEACHING POSITIONS AT ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS.