## Bootstrapped Company Fleet Finds Success in Hardware-as-a-Service
Bootstrapped companies often fly under the radar in startup news, lacking the flashy funding rounds that attract attention. However, Fleet, a Paris-based company, is proving that bootstrapping can lead to steady growth and success. Originally focused on hardware rentals, Fleet allowed companies to lease laptops and other devices instead of purchasing them outright. Now, the company is expanding its offerings to include software services such as device management, cybersecurity, and insurance.
Fleet’s success as a bootstrapped company can be attributed to its focus on operational efficiency and financial responsibility. By eliminating the need for a warehouse and partnering with financial institutions for credit lines, Fleet has minimized costs and risks. This approach has allowed the company to expand beyond laptops and offer a wide range of products, including smartphones, tablets, accessories, phone booths, and furniture.
However, Fleet has faced challenges along the way, as the French tech ecosystem has experienced difficulties in raising local funding. Despite this, Fleet’s co-founder and CEO, Alexandre Berriche, sees the slowdown in fundraising as an opportunity to diversify revenue streams. Rather than seeking venture capital, Fleet has focused on adding new products, diversifying its client base, and expanding its global reach. The majority of Fleet’s clients are now traditional small and medium enterprises, spread across 120 countries.
With 1,500 companies and approximately 100,000 users, Fleet has seen significant growth and success. Its clients include notable companies such as Personio, SafetyWing, SumUp, and Seedtag. The company has offices in Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, and is set to open a new location in London. In fact, July 2024 was Fleet’s most successful month in terms of revenue.
## Expanding into Software Services
While having up-to-date and properly managed devices is crucial for IT departments, Fleet recognizes the importance of offering comprehensive software solutions. The company now provides laptops and smartphones with pre-installed mobile device management (MDM) solutions, such as Omnissa’s Workspace One. Customers can also choose cybersecurity solutions like Bitdefender and password managers like Keeper for their teams.
Fleet’s expansion into software services aligns with its vision of becoming a one-stop shop for IT needs for small and medium businesses (SMBs). By offering an all-in-one solution, especially through computer leasing, Fleet positions itself strategically to support its customers in implementing best practices in IT and cybersecurity.
## The Rise of IT Outsourcing
Fleet is not the only company recognizing the value of IT outsourcing. Hofy, another company in this space, was recently acquired by Deel, a remote hiring platform. The demand for services like Fleet and Hofy is particularly high among companies with distributed teams, as they provide convenience and support in managing IT infrastructure.
By offering hardware-as-a-service and expanding into software services, Fleet has positioned itself as a leader in the IT outsourcing market. With its commitment to operational efficiency, financial responsibility, and customer-centric solutions, Fleet is poised for continued growth and success in the coming years.