This case explores the marketing challenges that a robotics and automation technology start-up faces in the construction industry. A recommended framework for analysis is Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations (see suggested complimentary reading by John T. Gourville). By applying the analysis of the adoption curve, students can work through the process of diagnosing what might be impeding sales of the SAM100 and then identify which market segments, targets and positioning strategies will help accelerate the adoption of this new innovation in order for it to progress through to a robust product lifecycle.

Robin is a B2B technology (SaaS) startup, founded in Boston, MA in 2014, that develops and sells workplace software products designed to help companies manage meeting room scheduling. In March 2016, following a period of underperforming sales results, Sam Dunn, sales leader and co-founder of Robin, realizes that he must make changes to the sales area if he is to achieve Robin's sales targets and meet the expectations of the company's venture capitalists. In two months' time, Dunn will pitch to the investors for Series A funding. His dilemma is clear; the current sales results do not show the required "repeatability and scalability" required to convince the investors. Dunn realizes he must design and present a reworked sales process. This "re-engineering" exercise prompts him to also question if he has the right team in place to implement a possible "new and improved" process.