Entrepreneur Stories
Startups That Failed Before They Took Off
Silicon Valley is where startups go to become sweeping success stories. However, there is a flip side to the magic of Silicon Valley. Startups not only rise, they also fail. As the weekend comes on us, here is looking at startups that failed before they could take off the right way!
1. Blackberry
Before the iPhone became what it is today, the Blackberry was the phone everyone wanted to own. Not only was it a device, it was a cult. However, before the “crackheads” (as they were unoficially called) could change the world with this device, something went wrong. Research in Motion (RIM) as Blackberry was formally called, failed to keep up with the changing pace of the world. RIM refused to change its technology and stuck to the traditional forms, without moving up the ladder like the iPhone. What started off as a bang fizzled down to a sale of only 4 million devices annually by the year 2016. Now, out of production and out of business, Blackberry is but a mere shadow of its former self. However, despite the failure of the device, Blackberry did set in motion a smartphone revolution like never before!
2. AOL
The failure of AOL (America Online) was a disastrous event that still surprises people. Not only did the service give detailed information in a quick manner, its instant messaging service was also arguably the best in the world at the point. However, the email service refused to grow with the world and accepted defeat with the quick growth of Gmail and Yahoo. Incidentally, Gmail’s “You’ve Got Mail” notification clinched the email platform’s presence in the world with complete surety.
3. My Space
Back in the day, My Space was were stars were born and musicians were launched. In fact, it was given the title of being among the top 50 best websites in the year 2006. However, Facebook came, saw and conquered and My Space was left crawling in the dust like a helpless animal.
4. Kodak
Kodak was the inventor of the traditional form of photography in the 20th century. Steve Sasson, the man who invented the first digital camera in the year 1975, was actually asked by his supervisors to not do anything. They did not see the value of digital photography and this one reason inevitably resulted in Kodak’s halt to world domination in the form of pictures!
5. Nokia
If the Blackberry refused to grow with touch technology, Nokia refused to look at data as the next big thing. While other smartphone companies circled towards this change, Nokia shrunk away and refused to accept this form of growth. This caused Nokia to develop a mess of an operating system with a bad user experience that just was not a fit for an always expanding market and thus, failure was but very obvious.
Every company has to start some where. Every company has to grow and fall and failures comes as a part of the parcel. If you think we missed any startups, please comment and let us know!
Delhi NCR-based gaming startup Zupee has acquired Mumbai-based microdrama platform Vertical TV in a deal valued under INR 40 Cr. This move strengthens Zupee Studio, its short-video arm launched in September 2025, by integrating Vertical TV’s expertise in bite-sized dramas like romance and thrillers.
Facing challenges from India’s 2025 real-money gaming ban, Zupee valued at $1 Bn after raising $120 Mn has pivoted to non-gaming content, including recent layoffs of 40% of its workforce. The acquisition builds on its November 2025 purchase of Australian AI firm Nucanon for interactive storytelling, targeting its 200 Mn+ users with engaging, mobile-first formats.
This deal underscores the rising microdrama trend in India, helping Zupee diversify amid regulatory pressures and compete in the short-video space dominated by quick, shareable content for on-the-go audiences.
T.N. Seshan’s name stands tall in India’s history as the man who transformed the nation’s electoral system with extraordinary courage and integrity. Born in 1932 in Kerala, Seshan grew up with values of discipline, education, and service to the nation — virtues that shaped his illustrious journey. From his early brilliance at Madras Christian College to his advanced studies in public administration at Harvard University, Seshan’s path reflected rare determination and intellect. Joining the Indian Administrative Service in 1955, he built a reputation as a no‑nonsense officer committed to efficiency and honesty, serving in key roles such as Secretary of Defense and overseeing vital national programs.
As the Chief Election Commissioner of India in 1990, T.N. Seshan sparked a new era of electoral integrity. In a system once marred by corruption, violence, and malpractice, Seshan brought order, fear, and respect through his groundbreaking reforms. He introduced voter ID cards, imposed strict spending limits on campaigns, and insisted on transparency at every level of the election process. Despite criticism from political circles that labeled him dictatorial, his relentless pursuit of fairness empowered every citizen to vote fearlessly. Under his leadership, the Election Commission became a symbol of strength and integrity in Indian democracy.
Seshan’s passing in November 2019 marked the end of an era, but his message continues to resonate across generations. Leaders from every corner of the country mourned the loss of the man who restored faith in free and fair elections. His enduring legacy reminds us that true leadership lies not in wielding power, but in serving people with honesty, courage, and conviction. T.N. Seshan’s life remains a timeless inspiration a reminder that democracy thrives only when its citizens are vigilant, responsible, and fearless.
Leaving behind a high-paying job at JPMorgan, an Indian entrepreneur embraced a 70% salary cut to pursue true purpose and passion in the startup world. Disenchanted with what he described as a “robotic” corporate routine, he sought meaningful work that made a real impact. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of his new journey, one focused on value creation rather than titles and corporate perks.
Powered by resilience and fresh perspective, the entrepreneur launched his own startup, prioritizing innovation and hands-on solutions. The road was challenging, but his vision resonated with the market: the startup quickly gained traction and raised $6 million—an impressive acknowledgement of its potential in a competitive landscape. Every hard lesson from early setbacks and bootstrapping paid off in real customer growth and investor confidence.
Today, his journey stands as an inspiring example for professionals seeking authentic success outside the corporate grind. By trading comfort for creative freedom, he grew a venture that solves important problems, generates jobs, and builds wealth beyond just salary. For ambitious founders, his story highlights the power of risk-taking, adaptability, and relentless focus on impact in India’s thriving startup ecosystem.
Zupee Bolsters Short-Video Play with Vertical TV Acquisition Under INR 40 Cr
Dazzl Raises $3.2M Seed Funding Led by OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal for AI Skincare Expansion
D2C Brand Neeman’s Raises $4 Million for Tier 2/3 Store Expansion & Eco-Friendly Shoes
Dazzl Raises $3.2M Seed Funding Led by OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal for AI Skincare Expansion
D2C Brand Neeman’s Raises $4 Million for Tier 2/3 Store Expansion & Eco-Friendly Shoes
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