This case is reserved for use by Columbia Business School Faculty only.
As the founder of a business-class-only airline seeks financing to get the service off the ground, what information would be most useful to a potential investor and to board members?
As the founder of a business-class-only airline seeks financing to get the service off the ground, what information would be most useful to a potential investor and to board members?
In 2001, Julian Cook was planning a business-class-only airline that would debut with service between London and New York. Cook felt confident that his Newlines Airways could woo business travelers with more flexible high-end fares and services such as valet parking services. He had raised almost $2 million from private investors and hired a management team, but he needed an additional $38 million to get the business aloft. His goal was to create a compelling presentation to his board as well as to a potential investor. In this case students evaluate Newlines' business plan, competitive information from airlines such as British Airways, and data including demand for transatlantic flights to determine which information Cook should present. Case C provides an update of Cook's experiences as an entrepreneur through 2014.
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