GigaTera Inc., a spin-off of the Ultrafast Laser Physics Group at ETH Zurich commercialized laser technology for high-speed optical data transmission. Shortly after the venture’s inception the entire optoelectronics industry faltered, shaking GigaTera to its foundation… The case portrays GigaTera’s development from its inception in 2000 up to 2003. Besides addressing opportunity recognition and exploitation against a withering market environment, the case invites the students to discuss the specific setup of GigaTera within its network of resources and financiers. By 2003, the Swiss venture faced a significant lack of financial resources and unclear market prospects. The students will be asked to indicate viable alternatives to proceed.
