// startup autopsy
Compass Labs
Pointed at social ads, but the platforms took the shot
platform dependencySilent Shutdown
Quiet closure with no public announcement · Fatal mistake: Compass Labs built its core value proposition on social platform data access that the platforms themselves could revoke or replicate at will.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Compass Labs founded in the USA to build intelligent targeting technology for the emerging social advertising market.
FUNDING
Compass Labs raises venture funding to scale its social ad targeting platform amid the booming social media advertising market.
FUNDING
Last funding round secured in 2012, totaling $12M, as investors bet on social advertising technology growth.
REGULATORY ACTION
Twitter and Facebook begin tightening API access for third-party ad tech vendors, undermining Compass Labs' data advantage.
SHUTDOWN
Compass Labs shuts down as platform API restrictions eliminate its competitive advantage and customer pipeline dries up.
MEDIA_MENTION
Title: Compass Labs | TechCrunch
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