Firm Projects

Projects

What impacts will innovation have on your industry? How can you capture an advantage through advanced market research and business model transformations? Are you prepared for government regulatory changes that can transform your industry's landscape? Discover how LightSpeed helped companies find new opportunities and stay ahead of today’s trends.

Growing regional unmanned systems industry base

Problem: A public entity was interested in better understanding the regional market for unmanned systems of all domains – air, land, sea, space. The region has been a foundation for autonomous technologies due to the presence of research universities and the defense industry base. However, in spite of this, it is not clear where market opportunities lie, and what needs are left unserved.

Solution: LightSpeed provided a macroeconomic analysis of the unmanned systems market first looking at global trends in all domains, then conducted research to discern local trends. A list of regional company profiles was developed based on primary and secondary market research, to note unmanned systems services, technical, and test facility requirements, culminating with focus on areas of the strongest potential. Recommendations were made as to where to concentrate efforts to achieve the maximum utility for the local business community, from start-ups to medium/large enterprises. Client has decided to execute our recommended initiatives that include focus on the commercial sector, leveraging the defense base, and convening industry and government to form a consortium to further the effort.

Product Line Benchmark Study

Problem: A large OEM manufacturer was interested in conducting a study of the unmanned aerial systems market, specifically the emerging segments of commercial and consumer UAS. The sponsor requested that a market review of the growing commercial UAS sector be performed, to obtain ancillary performance data and pricing.

Solution: We successfully completed all field interviews and research and provided a analysis of the market breakdown as it was emerging, and provided estimated price targets to hit for various classes of unmanned aerial systems (without sensors). As a result, the OEM was able to evaluate its own strengths and weaknesses and make market entry decisions.

New Business Identification Study

Problem: A communications component make was seeking a way to estimate total market demand for its new electro-optical sensor. Additionally, the client wanted detailed company profile information on the ranking customer base using an objective criteria to predict demand for its services.

Solution: We conducted extensive research on the specific industry as well as other companies active in selling similar competitive products in the respective markets. The research demonstrated the historical and projected growth of all major industry participants. We then compared this to the projections offered by the candidate sponsor. It was obvious that the projections and valuation of the firm were out of line with that of the industry. Our research and recommended strategy provided the information to guide the sponsor in restructuring its product technically, as well as provided a foundation for the company to develop a well positioned product offering.