// startup autopsy
AVChem
A chemical marketplace dissolved by the dot-com bust.
timingSlow Death
Years-long decline before final shutdown · Fatal mistake: AVChem attempted to digitize chemical procurement too early in a conservative industry still resistant to online platforms post dot-com crash.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
AVChem founded at the peak of the dot-com era with ambitions to digitize chemical industry procurement.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
AVChem launches its e-procurement platform for chemical buyers and suppliers, facing an industry skeptical of internet solutions post-crash.
FUNDING
AVChem secures $2.5M in a late-stage funding round, its last, as the company struggles to grow revenue in a difficult market.
SHUTDOWN
AVChem ceases operations after failing to achieve profitable scale in the chemical e-procurement market.