// startup autopsy
Appsfire
App discovery met its match when Apple upgraded its own storefront
platform dependencyFire Sale
Distressed acquisition below last-round valuation · Fatal mistake: Appsfire built its core value on Apple's App Store discovery gap — a gap Apple closed itself, destroying the original business model overnight.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Appsfire founded in Paris by Ouriel Ohayon and Gilad Bechar to help iOS users discover great apps through social curation.
FUNDING
Raised Series A funding, expanding the team and launching Appsfire for iPad and Android, reaching millions of users.
PIVOT
Pivoted from consumer app discovery to a B2B native mobile advertising SDK after Apple's improved App Store curation eroded core product demand.
FUNDING
Raised final funding round of approximately $8.7M total; attempted to scale the ad SDK against entrenched competitors including Facebook and Google.
SHUTDOWN
Acquired by Fnac in a distressed sale; the standalone Appsfire product and brand were discontinued following the acquisition.