Build vs Buy · Build vs Buy · Hard · 35-45 min

Build or License a Software Platform

Last updated 2026-07-29

What is this case about?

An automotive company wants a connected-vehicle software platform (telematics, OTA updates, in-car services). It can build in-house, license from a specialist vendor, or partner. Building gives control but the company has thin software talent; licensing is faster but cedes the customer data and roadmap. The CEO sees software as strategic to future margin. You advise on build, buy, or partner.

Where strong candidates start

  • Decide what is genuinely strategic / differentiating (build) vs commodity (buy)
  • Assess capability honestly — does the company have the talent, and can it attract it

More cases