// startup autopsy
LiveBid
Real-time auction tech swallowed by Amazon's eBay ambitions
acquisition gone wrongAcqui-hire
Fatal mistake: Relied on a single acquirer's strategic direction; when Amazon abandoned auctions, LiveBid's technology became obsolete.
| Founded | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Closed | 1999 |
| Country | USA |
| Sector | Marketplace |
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Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
LiveBid founded to provide real-time internet bidding software for live auction events.
FUNDING
LiveBid raises $1.5M to expand its real-time auction streaming platform.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
LiveBid gains traction with auction houses seeking online presence during the dot-com boom.
ACQUISITION ATTEMPT
Amazon acquires LiveBid to integrate live auction streaming into Amazon Auctions, its eBay competitor.
SHUTDOWN
LiveBid's standalone operations cease as Amazon absorbs the technology; Amazon Auctions later shutters entirely.