1. What advantages does a subscription pricing model offer a business?

2. Notice that several of Bark & Co.’s idea for new businesses have failed. Is this unusual? Why is it important for businesses to continue to innovate, even when their founders know that many of the innovations will fail? What steps can Meeker, Werdelin, and Strife take to encourage creativity in their company?

3. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using venture capital to finance a company’s growth.

4. Because of the risks associated with their investments, venture capital firms, which become part owners of the companies in which they invest, demand big returns within relatively short time frames. What impact do these expectations have on business founders such as Meeker, Werdelin, and Strife? Do investors’ expectations affect entrepreneurs’ decisions about their businesses? Explain.

5. What strategies should Meeker, Werdelin, and Strife use to continue their company’s impressive growth rate? Are there other related businesses that they should enter? Explain.