Byton: A Fallen Chinese Electric Vehicle Startup

Abstract

This case study presents students with the difficult entrepreneurial journey of Byton, a Chinese electric vehicle startup with global ambitions. Byton was once considered a superstar Chinese electric vehicle startup. In early 2018, the company embarked on a B-round of financing to raise funds to continue with the design and development of its luxury electric vehicles. After assessing Byton’s competitive environment and business strategies, students will advise a private equity firm whether or not to invest in Byton. Students will also analyze key elements that led to Byton’s success/failure, and lessons learned in managing a technology startup with global ambitions.