// startup autopsy
Adku
Personalized discounts that found a buyer before finding scale
marketfitAcqui-hire
Fatal mistake: Adku failed to build distribution at scale with major retail partners, making acquisition the only viable exit before runway depletion.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Adku founded in the USA to build personalized coupon and retail discount targeting via SaaS analytics.
FUNDING
Raised $1.54M in funding to develop its personalization engine and expand retail partnerships.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Launched enhanced targeting features but failed to land anchor retail partners at sufficient scale.
ACQUISITION ATTEMPT
Entered acquisition discussions as runway dwindled and growth stalled.
SHUTDOWN
Adku was acquired in what appears to be an acqui-hire, ending independent operations.