// startup autopsy
Radar Networks
The semantic web's biggest bet that the world wasn't ready for
marketfitAcqui-hire
Fatal mistake: Radar Networks built an overly complex semantic web product that required users to radically change their information-sharing behavior, resulting in poor retention and slow growth.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Radar Networks founded by Nova Spivack with a vision to build semantic web infrastructure.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Twine launched publicly as a semantic social network, generating significant tech press buzz.
FUNDING
Radar Networks closes final funding round; user growth of Twine disappoints despite hype.
PIVOT
Company attempts to pivot Twine toward enterprise semantic data but fails to gain traction.
SHUTDOWN
Radar Networks acquired by Evri in a distressed sale; Twine shut down shortly after.
MEDIA_MENTION
There’s a nasty, and very personal, lawsuit in progress between Radar Networks and a jilted investor, Kate Paley (daughter of CBS icon William Paley). The company, known by most through it's product Twine, was once doing quite well from an outsider's perspective, but the reality, according to the la