French startup Fleet is making a name for itself by offering long-term leasing contracts for MacBooks to companies of all sizes. The company has grown significantly over the past four years, deploying almost 10,000 devices without raising any external funding.
Fleet’s simple yet effective product offering allows companies to turn their capital expenditures into predictable operating expenditures. Rather than buying expensive equipment outright, they can rent fleets of MacBooks from Fleet instead.
To remain lean, Fleet does not maintain large warehouses or credit lines with banks. Instead, when a client orders laptops, the company sends a request to one of its seven financial partners in France to finance the devices. The client signs a contract on Fleet’s website, and the order is processed automatically.
Fleet’s pricing is transparent, and the company displays on its website the cost of each laptop model. The pricing takes into account various factors such as the size of the order, the risk of the customer, and the suppliers. If a Fleet customer files for bankruptcy, the financial institution is responsible for the credit line, and Fleet does not carry any risk in case of failed payments.
The company’s focus on automation and its ability to address the needs of small companies make it an attractive option for financial partners. Fleet offers companies the option to lease back their devices to spread out the cost of their existing equipment over time, which is particularly beneficial for startups looking to increase their runway.
Fleet’s success demonstrates that a simple yet innovative product offering can disrupt traditional business models and attract investors. The company’s commitment to reinvesting its revenue into the company is also noteworthy, showing that growth can be achieved without relying on external funding. As Fleet continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and expands its product offerings to meet the changing needs of its clients.
