// startup autopsy
EQO
Mobile VoIP bridge washed away by the smartphone tide
platform dependencySilent Shutdown
Quiet closure with no public announcement · Fatal mistake: EQO built its entire value proposition on bridging mobile phones to VoIP services that smartphones would natively support within two years of its founding.
| Founded | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Closed | 2008 |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Developer tools |
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Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
EQO founded in Canada to bring Skype and VoIP connectivity to mobile phones, targeting a gap in pre-smartphone mobile communications.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
EQO launches its mobile VoIP client, gaining early traction among business users seeking cheaper international calls on mobile.
FUNDING
EQO closes its $12.5M funding round; simultaneously Apple launches the iPhone, signaling the beginning of the end for bridge VoIP apps.
PIVOT
EQO attempts to adapt its platform for the emerging smartphone ecosystem but lacks resources to compete with free native apps.
SHUTDOWN
EQO shuts down as the smartphone revolution eliminates its market; the company ceases operations within two years of its last funding round.