Felipe Vergara and Lumni: Launching an Innovation in a Developing Economy

Authors: Glinska, Gosia; Parmar, Bidhan; Sarasvathy, Saras D.; Venkataraman, S.
Source: Darden School of Business
Year: 2006
Company Name: Lumni, Inc.
Number of pages: 14

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Abstract:

The case chronicles the development of Lumni, Inc, an international start-up offering innovative mechanisms for financing higher education. It focuses on: (1) the details of decision making required to transform an idea into a viable business; (2) building partnerships; (3) the challenge associated with raising venture capital; and (4) the challenges of creating a new market where human capital can be traded to finance higher education. The decision to focus on Latin America is examined, as well as the challenges associated with implementing an innovation in a developing economy. At the conclusion of the case one of the founders must decide what action to take on several fronts. He must address the challenge of: (1) attracting investors, while facing extreme financial strain; (2) managing a geographically dispersed company; and (3) growing the business strategically.