Overview
Failure doesn't always mean a bad idea. Sometimes, it's just bad timing or execution. Look for startups that died but had a compelling core concept. With better tech or a changed market, these ideas might now be viable.
Company examples
- Friendster - Relaunched as a social gaming platform after failing as a social network
- Pets.com - The concept was revived successfully by Chewy.com
- Webvan - The online grocery delivery model was later perfected by Instacart
Questions to consider
- What failed startups had good ideas but poor execution or timing?
- How have market conditions or technologies changed to make a previously failed concept viable now?
How to cite
Faster Than Normal. “Investigate the graveyard Framework.” fasterthannormal.co/business-frameworks/investigate-the-graveyard. Accessed 2026.