// startup autopsy
Xobni
The inbox intelligence startup that turned down Microsoft and sold to Yahoo
platform dependencyAcqui-hire
Fatal mistake: Xobni built its core product entirely within Microsoft Outlook, creating a fatal platform dependency that Microsoft could neutralize at any time and that limited Xobni's ability to charge users directly.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Xobni founded by Matt Brezina and Adam Smith to build email analytics tools inside Microsoft Outlook.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Xobni launches its Outlook plugin to public acclaim, gaining hundreds of thousands of downloads rapidly.
PIVOT
Xobni declines a reported $20M acquisition offer from Microsoft, choosing to pursue independence.
FUNDING
Xobni closes its final funding round, reaching $41.75M total raised, expanding to mobile contact management.
ACQUISITION ATTEMPT
Yahoo acquires Xobni for approximately $60M to bolster its communications and contact intelligence efforts.
SHUTDOWN
Yahoo shuts down the Xobni application after integrating key team members and technology into Yahoo Mail.