// startup autopsy
Handmark
King of Palm apps—dethroned by the iPhone.
platform dependencyAcqui-hire
Fatal mistake: Bet its entire business on Palm OS and Windows Mobile without building platform-agnostic capabilities before Apple and Google redefined mobile.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Handmark founded in Kansas City to develop and publish software for Palm OS mobile devices.
FUNDING
Secures final $10M funding round to expand mobile content and app publishing operations.
PIVOT
iPhone launch signals the end of Palm OS dominance; Handmark lacks iOS strategy.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Apple App Store launches, instantly obsoleting Handmark's Palm-focused distribution model.
SHUTDOWN
Handmark is acquired, ending its run as an independent mobile software publisher.