ParkatmyHouse

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Designing, developing, and manufacturing your car is no longer just about the automobile.  Companys like BMW are also heading down a path in search of outside inspiration in unique areas.  Last year BMW announced that it was establishing a $100 million New York-based venture capital fund unit to invest in complementary start-ups.  For BMW, the goal is not short-term financial - - the goal is long-term innovation.  New ideas from new companies - - outside the traditional automobile umbrella

On interesting point is what BMW means by the word "complementary" - - in some cases the word means BMW ventures into complementary services.  ParkatmyHouse is one such company that BMW has invested in.  The firm links people seeking to rent a parking space with those who have one to spare.  Empty parking spaces have potential value.  Have an empty spot in your driveway?  You could be making money by renting it out.  ParkatmyHouse is the website for bringing together the buyers and sellers of parking spots.  A church parking lot next to an airport - - underutilized parking during the week at the Church and limited supply at the airport seems a perfect match (I can see complex zoning and legal issues with this example - - even if all the cars are BMWs).  Stadiums and malls would be other examples - - off-peak capacity that potentially has economic value.