Abstract

This case is about Ping Fu (Ping), an entrepreneur based in the US, who co-founded Raindrop Geomagic (Geomagic), a company which designed and developed software applications in the nascent area of Digital Shape Sampling and Processing (DSSP). The case highlights the challenges Ping faced right from her early years in China, her higher studies and work experience in the US, the inspiration for setting up Geomagic, and the initial problems she faced as an entrepreneur. The case effectively brings out the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, especially in new and emerging technology areas, with regard to venture capital funding, business development, people management, and growth related issues.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Understand the issues and constraints faced by a growing start-up company in a nascent technological field
• Appreciate the sources of inspiration for an entrepreneur
• and Understand the challenges faced by entrepreneurs with regard to venture capital funding, business development and people management.

Keywords

Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Ping Fu, Raindrop Geomagic, Digital shape sampling and processing, DSSP, 3-D graphics and modeling, China, USA, Mass customization, INUS Technology, South Korea, Innovmetric, Canada, Venture capitalist, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Software, Manufacturing