// startup autopsy
NearbyNow
The mobile shopping guide that couldn't find its own aisle
marketfitAcqui-hire
Fatal mistake: NearbyNow relied on retailers to self-report inventory data, creating a chicken-and-egg problem where thin coverage undermined consumer value before scale could be achieved.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
NearbyNow founded to bridge mobile search and physical retail inventory discovery.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Launched mobile shopping platform enabling consumers to find in-store product availability in real time.
FUNDING
Closed final funding round totaling $19.25M to expand retail partnerships and platform capabilities.
SHUTDOWN
Acquired and absorbed into a larger mobile commerce entity as independent growth stalled.