iPhat
Practice this advanced market entry case interview question in the Technology sector. Includes detailed problem prompt, clarifying questions, structured framework, and expert recommendation. Part of ProHub's 835+ consulting case library.
ProHub Comment
This is a complex market entry case requiring candidates to size the smartwatch market, conduct competitive analysis using Porter's Five Forces, perform break-even analysis with specific cost structures, and ultimately recommend between building in-house versus licensing. The case tests structured thinking, quantitative skills, and strategic decision-making under capital constraints.
Estimated Time
36 minutes
Difficulty
Hard
Source
Cornell
20
/ 100
Our client, Apricot, is a cutting-edge tech company that has patented a new technology called iPhat and is considering potential applications for it. iPhat measures a person’s BMI (Body Mass Index) by sending an electrical signal through a feedback loop within a portion of the body. The new hardware required for the signal and feedback mechanism is small (about the size of a penny). Apricot is unsure of how to bring this to market. Walk me through what how you would approach this?
Clarifying Information
- Goal: Apricot’s shareholders are looking for the most strategic and financially beneficial entry for iPhat
- Market Size: We will get to that in minute
- Competition: No competitors for BMI within wearable tech
- Apricot’s Product Portfolio - Software B2C: Personal Health Data Management (iOS), Women’s Health Tracking (iOS)
- Apricot’s Product Portfolio - Hardware B2C: Fitness Tracking Rings (Finger), Smart Sneakers (not selling well)
- Capital Concerns: We will get to that in a minute
- BMI: Measures body fat, water retention, muscle density