VC interview task

Hi everyone!

I have to work on the task described in the picture for an internship at a VC firm. My only doubt is this one: in your opinion, what do they mean by "OEM" (Original Equipment Manufacturer)? Based on different definition it could be the final product (the e-cargo bike) as well as its components (engine, batteries etc.). In my opinion, they're asking me to find different e-cargo bike manufacturers given the two questions, but since I'm not sure I think it's better to double check with you.

Thank you in advance!


Comments ( 5 )

  • Associate 1 in CorpDev
1mo

It's too broad of a question if they are expecting you to list every component maker. I would focus on companies who produce and sell the bikes and maybe list some major parts manufacturers to cover your bases but don't do a deep dive on them. Whether a business sells or rents the bikes, the end customer would be retail or other businesses.

This isn't the worst question to ask the firm either.

1mo
kodi , what's your opinion? Comment below:

great question to ask for a VC spot.

they are only after electric cargo bikes, and only the EU market and only OEMs. so that gives a clean list without rebranded bikes etc. For them it's not necessarily the goal to have every single company on there, but the most important ones and their business models. Where is the profit? Which model might scale? Are they selling the battery? renting it? what do their partnerships look like?

this should show your thought process and whether it makes sense to have you on board.

  • 1
1mo
1sf , what's your opinion? Comment below:

My firm works in a similar space (I'm an intern so take this all with a grain of salt). But generally, when someone says OEM referring to eMobility, eVTOL, or Evs, they are referring to the final product. i.e., the people who are being paid by the startup to put together the final product.

Most Helpful
1mo
SportsVC , what's your opinion? Comment below:

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