// startup autopsy
Viewdle
Google saw its face — and bought it.
acquisition gone wrongAcqui-hire
Fatal mistake: Viewdle's independent growth stalled as its technology attracted acquirer interest faster than it could build a standalone business.
| Founded | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Closed | 2012 |
| Country | USA |
| Sector | Developer tools |
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Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Viewdle founded to develop facial recognition and computer vision technology for mobile platforms.
FUNDING
Raised $12M in funding to expand its facial and gesture recognition technology for mobile devices.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Launched commercial facial recognition SDK for Android devices, attracting significant industry attention.
SHUTDOWN
Google acquired Viewdle in an acqui-hire deal, absorbing its computer vision IP and engineering team into Android development.