Fleet Expands Beyond Laptop Leasing with Device-as-a-Service Offerings

Fleet: The French Startup Revolutionizing the Way Companies Rent Equipment

Table of Contents

Introduction

Fleethas been making waves in the tech industry with its innovative approach to equipment rental. Founded four years ago, the company has grown exponentially, deploying nearly 10,000 devices with long-term leasing contracts. What sets Fleet apart is its commitment to remaining lean and agile, rejecting traditional funding models in favor of reinvesting revenue back into the business.

A Simple yet Effective Business Model

Fleet’s initial product offering was straightforward: companies could rent a fleet of MacBooks instead of purchasing them outright. This simple concept was designed to transform capital expenditures into predictable operating expenses. By eliminating the need for upfront costs, Fleet enabled businesses to allocate their resources more efficiently.

The company’s founders have taken a deliberate approach to maintaining a lean organization. Unlike many startups, Fleet doesn’t rely on massive warehouses or expensive credit lines with banks. Instead, it has developed partnerships with financial institutions, which are connected to its system via APIs. This partnership allows Fleet to automate the financing process for clients.

"We’re connected to the APIs of seven financial partners in France – they represent pretty much the entire market," said Alexandre Berriche, co-founder and CEO of Fleet. "We have completely automated the process."

Transparent Pricing

Fleet’s pricing model is designed to be transparent, providing customers with clear information on costs before making a purchase. The company takes into account various factors when determining prices, including:

Risk assessment: Berriche explained that the company assesses the risk of each customer, taking into account their creditworthiness and payment history.
Order size: Larger orders often come with lower costs per device, as Fleet can negotiate better rates with suppliers.
Suppliers: Fleet’s partnerships with multiple suppliers allow it to offer competitive pricing.

Risk Management

Fleet has implemented a risk management strategy that protects both the company and its clients. In the event of a client defaulting on payments, the financial institution is responsible for covering the credit line. This approach eliminates any financial risks for Fleet, allowing it to focus on growth and innovation.

Expanding Beyond Laptops

While laptops remain a core part of Fleet’s offerings, the company has expanded its portfolio to include other equipment rentals such as smartphones, tablets, accessories, phone booths, and furniture. This diversification enables Fleet to cater to a broader range of clients and expand its revenue streams.

A Sustainable Approach to Equipment Management

As some clients reach the end of their laptop leases after three years, Fleet has implemented a sustainable approach to equipment management. The company recycles or refurbishes devices whenever possible, reducing electronic waste and promoting environmentally responsible practices.

Conclusion

Fleet’s innovative business model, commitment to transparency, and risk management strategy have enabled it to achieve significant growth in the tech industry. As the company continues to expand its offerings and partnerships, it remains an attractive option for businesses seeking flexible equipment rental solutions. By prioritizing sustainability and reducing electronic waste, Fleet sets a positive example for other companies to follow.

About the Author

[Your Name] is a [Your Position] at TechCrunch, with a focus on covering the latest developments in the tech industry. With a background in business and finance, they bring a unique perspective to their reporting, highlighting the key factors driving innovation and growth in the sector.