// startup autopsy
Video Networks
Streaming before the internet could stream
timingSudden Collapse
Unexpected shutdown within weeks of a trigger · Fatal mistake: Raised massive capital to build broadband video infrastructure before consumer broadband penetration could support the business model.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Video Networks founded to capitalize on the broadband video delivery opportunity during the dot-com boom.
FUNDING
Secured $66M in funding at the peak of dot-com enthusiasm to build out streaming video infrastructure.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Launched broadband video delivery platform but user adoption remained critically low due to slow internet penetration.
SHUTDOWN
Operations ceased as funding exhausted and no path to profitability existed given the premature broadband market.