// startup autopsy
MysteryD
Mystery boxes couldn't survive the real mysteries of Central American ecommerce.
marketfitSlow Death
Years-long decline before final shutdown · Fatal mistake: Entered an emerging market with a novelty ecommerce product without validating that local payment and logistics infrastructure could support reliable fulfillment.
| Founded | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Closed | 2012 |
| Country | Costa Rica |
| Sector | Ecommerce |
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Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
MysteryD founded in Costa Rica with a mystery-box ecommerce concept targeting local consumers.
FUNDING
Raised $350K in seed funding to build out the ecommerce platform and supply chain.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Launched expanded product catalog but struggled with logistics reliability and consumer adoption.
SHUTDOWN
MysteryD ceased operations after exhausting its seed capital with no path to profitability.