// startup autopsy
Babble
The parenting blog empire that Disney bought and forgot.
acquisition gone wrongAcqui-hire
Fatal mistake: Selling to Disney without securing editorial independence led to brand dilution and eventual shutdown.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Babble launched as a parenting media and social network by Rufus Griscom and Alisa Volkman.
FUNDING
Babble raised its final funding round, bringing total raised to $6.25M.
ACQUISITION ATTEMPT
Disney acquired Babble for approximately $40M, signaling a major shift in the company's direction.
SHUTDOWN
Disney shut down the Babble brand, folding its content into Disney Family properties.