// startup autopsy
Collexpo
A SaaS startup that launched into the worst recession in decades
external shockSilent Shutdown
Quiet closure with no public announcement · Fatal mistake: Founded and funded in the same year as the 2008 financial crisis with only $225K, leaving no buffer against the sudden collapse of enterprise software budgets.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Collexpo founded in the USA as a SaaS company, launching during what would become a historic economic crisis year.
FUNDING
Collexpo raises $225K in seed funding — its only capital — months before the September 2008 financial collapse.
REGULATORY ACTION
The 2008 global financial crisis hits enterprise software budgets hard; customer acquisition stalls and follow-on funding becomes nearly impossible.
SHUTDOWN
Collexpo quietly shuts down after exhausting its seed funding without achieving sustainable customer traction.