NearMe 2023

Abstract

NearMe is a Japanese startup that provides a taxi-sharing mobility service, using artificial intelligence to match users sharing similar itineraries, optimize the route and then act as an intermediary to hail a driver from the country’s supply of taxis. Due to the limitations of the business model which affects the diversity of use cases of its mobility service, its prospects for domestic growth are being challenged. Therefore, the company is faced with the challenges to explore new expansion strategies and operational changes to enter the foreign markets. Mr Koichiro Takahara, the CEO is faced with the challenges to analyze the potential of the different markets. Thus, the case aims to address how to create a value proposition that aligns with the business model and how to make adjustments to better capture growth potential in new markets.An introduction to the nearMe and its business model as well as an analysis of the domestic market set the internal and external environment in which the company has since then developed. A shortlist of countries is then presented with information about their respective markets and is then reviewed. The majority of the information about these markets is obtained through information available online. These include public statistics and figures, articles, and consulting reports. With the help of these, a depiction of the various markets’ sizes,their regulatory and competitive landscape, sociocultural features, stakeholders as well as a diverse range of key indicators is provided. From these, conclusions can be drawn about the company’s choices when it comes to its choice of markets most eligible for expansion. A brief overview of competitors with interesting expansion strategies is then provided. The case will provide new insights to new business model creation that is relevant for the field of entrepreneurship.

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