// startup autopsy
Kiko
An Ajax-style online calendar application with API integrations for business professionals and event organizers.
founder chaosSlow Death
Years-long decline before final shutdown
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Kiko was founded as an Ajax-style online calendar application.
FUNDING
Kiko received seed funding from Y Combinator in its Summer 2005 batch, one of the earliest YC-backed companies.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Kiko launched its public Ajax-based calendar product, gaining early attention as a browser-based alternative to desktop calendar apps.
PIVOT
Google Calendar launched in April 2006, severely undermining Kiko's core market, prompting the founders to consider pivoting to other product ideas instead of focusing on the calendar.
CEO CHANGE
Internal management dysfunction deepened as a key team member hired during 2006 became unproductive and disappeared for months, leaving the small team unable to maintain development momentum.
ACQUISITION ATTEMPT
Kiko listed itself for sale on eBay in August 2006, ultimately selling its codebase and assets for approximately $258,100 to Tucows, signaling the founders' decision to abandon the product.
SHUTDOWN
Kiko shut down after three years of operation due to management issues and lack of focus.