Last week, start-up plug-in hybrid electric car company Fisker received more than $100 million worth of equity funding, a much needed needed shot of adrenaline to keep the struggling company moving forward.
Now with new found vigor, Fisker is eager opening its doors to strategic partnerships. At the moment, Fisker CEO Tony Posawatz has refused to name any potential partners but confirmed that promising alliances are "on our radar screen."
According to the company, at least $150 million must be raised in order to ensure the development of the Fisker Atlantic sedan. Unfortunately, financial obstacles will likely continue to challenge Fisker in the foreseeable future. Earlier this year, Fisker was declined a $529 million loan from the Department of Energy due to the company's failure to meet certain performance requirements necessary for the loan to be approved. That said, a strong partnership can be just what Fisker needs to fill the void left by the loan rejection.
Alliances among automakers have become more and more commonplace in recent time. Yesterday, we reported General Motors and Ford Motor Company's announcement of a joint partnership intended for the development of an all-new transmission. Last week, Renault-Nissan and Daimler announced its latest 4-cylinder direct injection powerplant. What's more, Fisker rival Tesla Motors has also formed key alliances with automakers including Daimler and Toyota.
Beyond a new strategic partner, Posawatz has confirmed that the Fisker is preparing to go public as well, confident that launching an IPO will provide Fisker with even more of the funds it requires to expand. Posawatz said, "We're beginning the preparations as we speak. We'll see how the markets fare. Certainly, without a doubt, it is our desire to prepare the company to be a public company."
Fisker is ambitiously pursuing two important objectives for the sustainability of the company at the same time. What sort of partner do you think will serve Fisker best? Do you think Fisker should go public? Let us know in the comment section below.
