// startup autopsy
Gravity
Personalization tech that found a buyer before it found a business model
marketfitAcqui-hire
Fatal mistake: Gravity could not convert its interest-graph IP into sustainable publisher revenue before running out of runway, forcing an acqui-hire exit.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Gravity founded by Amit Kapur in Los Angeles to build an interest-graph personalization platform for media publishers.
FUNDING
Gravity raises Series A funding, bringing total raised to over $20M to scale its publisher personalization technology.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Gravity launches its interest graph API publicly, aiming to become the personalization layer for the open web.
ACQUISITION ATTEMPT
AOL acquires Gravity in an acqui-hire deal to bolster its content personalization and recommendation capabilities.
SHUTDOWN
Gravity ceases independent operations as its team and technology are absorbed into AOL's media and advertising division.