// startup autopsy
Jobrivet
Referral hiring that never got referred enough
marketfitSilent Shutdown
Quiet closure with no public announcement · Fatal mistake: Jobrivet failed to build sufficient network density on either the employer or employee side to make referral-based hiring meaningfully better than free LinkedIn alternatives.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Jobrivet founded in the USA as a referral-based hiring platform.
FUNDING
Raised $1.535M in its last known funding round to grow employer adoption.
PIVOT
Attempted product pivot to broaden appeal beyond pure referral model without success.
SHUTDOWN
Jobrivet quietly ceased operations after failing to scale or secure further investment.