Case 8 4. Assess the fit of the board of directors with Couchsurfing based on th

Question

Case 8

4. Assess the fit of the board of directors with Couchsurfing based on the profiles of those members mentioned in the case (the company has additional directors). What are the strengths and weaknesses of these board members, including potential gaps in their knowledge? Do you see any ways in which their advice to the entrepreneurial team may not have been in the best interests of the company?

learning about different In ancient civilizations, it was a common practice to open purpose and perspective fron one's home to travelers who needed a place to sleep. This cultures. With this confidence and directi prompted the sharing of news, stories, and information. out how to use his computer science skill Couchsurfing International, a travel-oriented social net desire to help others. The first online community that working site based in San Francisco, is dedicated to reviv- Hoffer launched grew into what woul ing the ancient practice along with it educational program in Massachusetts and an online bulletin board that allowed physically disabled patients to connect with high school students and the social cxchange that goes Chapter One: The Founders THE CONCEPTIONIST After graduating from college in 1997 with a degree in computer science, Casey Fenton decided to see some of the world before settling down. When he came across a relatively inexpensive flight from Boston to Reykjavik, Iceland, he decided to buy it but had no idea whcre he would stay or what he should sce whilc there. He Prior to getting his MBA from Columbia Business School and working for numerous computer technology companies, Hoffer studied philosophy at Harvard Univer- sity. Apparently, his studies weren't enough to keep him busy, because he remained actively engaged in the com puter sciènce world during that time and helped launch multiple startups. One of these companies, founded in 1999 as a venture-backed operation, was an international he did not want to be a garden-variety tourist, SOccer website called Fuxito Worldwide. Although this staying in a hotel and traveling to the typical sights. Rather, endeavor was only one of hundreds of projects with which Hoffer would become involved, Fuxito was the venture he wanted to immersc himself in the Icelandic way oflife- this, he believed, was what traveling should be all about. that would lead Hoffer to his true calling cro in on definite travel plans, enton called and To z e-mailed almost 2,000 students from the Univcrsity of Ice- land, asking if they had a couch or spare room that he could stay in for a night or two. He reccived more than 50 offers for possible accommodations i THE VISIONARY Sebastian Le Tuan was born to help cultivate a world of cultural acceptance through travel A native of France, Le Tuan eventually followed his hcart and his love for technology to Sili But while he was sl a teenager, he spent time with a host family in Catalan, Spain, which helped him t ty is situated, but also in other o undei d nearby. Using these lca tions, set up specific travel plans, and cultures on a personal level is paramoun acingC duate degree in cognitive science fron The trip ended up being a ind on his own, orld as he was able to, through the truly unforgettable the University of Califor nia at Berkley, Le Tuan managed showed him things he could never hav and he built great friendships along the is passion for softwarc development, as well arious research initiatives. He worked for sever ompanies as a software designer, with a focus on use ha n decide d that he wanted to help others see the ould Eventually, he landed a pos ndation of "The Couchsurfing Project." based company called Fuxito Worldwide, where he would come to find his broad span of interests and experience On the flight home, he came up with tl Fenton spent the ne years programming and nde the website for Couchsurfing.org. He also to it led Fuxito Worldwide, but he continu ed working on the code that would lead to the project. Chapter Two: Birth of a Business tual launch of his ?? nd Le Tuan brought their own uniqu THE ENTREPRENEUR Daniel Hoffer had three wel ickgrounds, interests, and tale Fuxi when they j oped at a young age to Worldwide and ended up making impoi butions to the venture. Though they worked on different ing, helping others, and computer programming.

Explanation / Answer

1. The founding team is the perfect mix of talent expertise and passion. All three are passionate towards providing their service to the customers free of cost. Yes the team is extremely balanced, as each of them utilize their skills and complement for weakness of others. Fenton assume the role of executive director who conceptualised the entire idea. Hoffer managed strategic development related responsibilities and Le tuan handle the websites overall development and mission as he had experience in both cultural and technological aspects. The skill that is missing is related to legal aspects of the organisation and its implications on future expansion of the organisation.

2. Initially the form of organisation that three of them chose was of a non profit organisation. But due to disadvantages associated with the formation of non profit organisation the company eventually had to close down. The stringent audit procedures and rules and regulations for non profit organisation did not allow for the expansion of the company. It would have been beneficial if the organisation form chosen would have been for profit organisation which allows venture capitalist to invest in the company's growth.

3. Organisational form the team most recently transition watch for profit organisation. Yes, it was good decision keeping the prevailing situation in mind. The transition could be handled in a better way addressing the legal aspects and consumer sentiment before the transition.

4. The board of directors had the required knowledge regarding the regulatory aspects and also had a good experience in their previous organisation. Hence had the requisite expertise to handle the situation of transition of organisation from a nonprofit to for- profit organisation. The advice to the enterpreneurial team for in the best interest of the company.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse C
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.