// startup autopsy
Salesconx
The sales introduction marketplace that arrived before LinkedIn was ready
timingAcqui-hire
Fatal mistake: Salesconx launched a paid professional introduction marketplace in 2008 before social selling behaviors were mainstream, creating a trust gap that prevented organic network growth.
| Founded | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Closed | 2009 |
| Country | USA |
| Sector | Marketplace |
50%
50%
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Salesconx founded in the USA to build a marketplace for monetized B2B professional introductions.
FUNDING
Raised $1.3M in seed funding to build out the two-sided marketplace and acquire initial professional network participants.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Launched paid introduction marketplace publicly, but the 2008 financial crisis immediately depressed enterprise sales activity and adoption.
REGULATORY ACTION
Post-crisis enterprise budget freezes and trust concerns about paid referral models severely limited platform growth and new user registration.
SHUTDOWN
Salesconx was acquired, ending independent operations after failing to achieve sufficient marketplace liquidity in a challenging economic environment.