// startup autopsy
Zeptosens
Sensing too small a market at the wrong time.
marketfitSlow Death
Years-long decline before final shutdown · Fatal mistake: Pursued a niche biosensor platform without securing anchor pharma customers before funding ran out post-2001.
| Founded | 1999 |
|---|---|
| Closed | 2004 |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Biotech |
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Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Zeptosens founded in Switzerland to commercialize evanescent-field biosensor array technology for pharmaceutical research.
FUNDING
Company raises final known funding round of ~$8.3M amid a deteriorating biotech investment climate following the dot-com crash.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Zeptosens attempts to commercialize its biosensor platform but struggles to close deals with major pharma partners amid tight budgets.
SHUTDOWN
Zeptosens ceases operations after failing to achieve commercial traction or secure additional funding in a hostile biotech market.