Why Startups Fail

Your one-stop-shop for exclusive startup case studies!

Startup stories — it's a favourite topic for many people. You have heard of the successes, but how about the failures?
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The Playlist
Let's Talk About Startup Failures 

Every startup has its ups and downs, but the great thing about failure is that you can learn from it! We combined failures and lessons learned from startups in a podcast just for you.
Listen now!
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It's here. Download your copy of the Honestbee case study now — for free!

The Art of Startup Failures 

Every startup has its ups and downs, but the great thing about failure is that you can learn from it! Here are some of our most exciting case studies where we share the stories of startups that went downhill and what you can learn from their mistakes.
Premium Case Study 01: Honestbee
🐝 Honestbee aspired to be Asia's largest online on-demand concierge grocery delivery service and the world's most convenient services marketplace ever! What led to its downfall?
  • Headquarter: Singapore
  • Period: 2015 - 2020
  • Total amount raised: USD 49 million
  • Latest Fundraising Round: Series A
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Premium Case Study 02: Pirate3D
Pirate3D aspired to be the world's leading provider of consumer 3D printing solutions by creating a 3D printer that was simple to use and affordable! So what led to its downfall?
  • Headquarter: Singapore
  • Period: 2012 - 2015
  • Total amount raised: USD 3.9 million
  • Latest Fundraising Round: Seed
Countries Presence
E-commerce: International
Premium Case Study 03: Reebonz
👜 Reebonz aspired to create the best luxury experience in Asia. Once seen as a success startup story for homegrown Singapore businesses, it failed. Why and how?

  • Headquarter: Singapore
  • Period: 2009 - 2021 (Acquired)
  • Total amount raised: USD 64 million
  • Latest Fundraising Round: Series C
Countries Presence
Premium Case Study 04: Sorabel
Sorabel shut down its operations after struggling to stay afloat amid the COVID-19 pandemic. You might think that this pandemic was the only reason it failed. But there was more to it than that! 😱

  • Headquarter: Indonesia
  • Period: 2014 – 2020 (Acquired)
  • Total amount raised: More than USD 49 million
  • Latest Fundraising Round: Series B

Scaling Your Startup: Hand-Picked Articles 

What can a person do when they don't have that much startup experience yet? Well, the best place to start is by learning.
Here are a few hand-picked articles to help start and scale your startup.
Why Startups Are Important in Corporate Innovation
Innovation is often hailed as the driver of growth for leading corporations. But what drives innovation in the corporate sector? Startups! They play an important role in corporate innovation—and here's why.
How Startups Drive Economy
We are filled with stories about startups, their products and the founders behind them who are changing people's lives. Startups are the next big thing, and here's how they're driving today's economy.
When is the Best Time to Launch Your Startup
You've got a startup. You want people to talk about it, but you don't know when you should launch it. It depends on what you're doing, but in this article, we will show you exactly how to figure it out.
What To Do Before Asking for Funds
There is a lot to think about when raising funds, but one of the biggest mistakes a startup can make is to ask for money before they are ready. Here are five things you should do before even thinking about asking for money.
How To Grow Your Startup
Do you wonder if you are doing the right things for your startup or if there is something more? Growing a startup can prove difficult, especially if you are not prepared. Here are some tips to make the best of your startup's growth.
How To Grow Your Startup
Do you wonder if you are doing the right things for your startup or if there is something more? Growing a startup can prove difficult, especially if you are not prepared. Here are some tips to make the best of your startup's growth.
What To Do Before Asking for Funds
There is a lot to think about when raising funds, but one of the biggest mistakes a startup can make is to ask for money before they are ready. Here are five things you should do before even thinking about asking for money.
When is the Best Time to Launch Your Startup
You've got a startup. You want people to talk about it, but you don't know when you should launch it. It depends on what you're doing, but in this article, we will show you exactly how to figure it out.

Events

They're called one-hit wonders. The term is used to describe something that has once been successful. Sounds familiar? 
Watch our past events about why startups fail, some cases of failed startups, and insights into what makes a startup work!
Why Startups Fail: For Early Stage
​The topic of early-stage warning signs of startup failure and knowing your startup limits often gets a mixed response from founders. Is it possible to predict if your startup will fail before you start? This panel discussion aims to provide concrete strategies and approaches to tackle this problem.
Why Startups Fail:
East & West Edition
This special edition of Why Startups Fail delves into the differences between eastern and western startups. Learn how to spot red flags while evaluating startups and comparing their geographical locations.
Why Startups Fail: Malaysia Edition
This event's discussion is on a topic that would excite many readers and aspiring entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Before jumping right into this entrepreneurial journey, stop and ponder why startups fail.
Common Business Mistakes: How Can Entrepreneurs Avoid Them
Running your own business is an extremely tough endeavour, as any business owner knows. Learn more about the business flaws that are growing prevalent today and tips on how to avoid them.