Media & Entertainment · Failure database

Why Media & Entertainment startups fail: 21 real cases

Curated failure case studies from Media & Entertainment startups. Each one broken down across the seven pillars of launch readiness - problem clarity, customer precision, demand signals, differentiation, execution, distribution, and monetisation. Learn the patterns before you repeat them.

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Every case here failed on at least one pillar. If you're building in Media & Entertainment, run your own idea through Launch Control first - the same thirteen questions, the same rubric.

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21 cases

Company	Industry	Outcome
Atari Program Exchange	Media & Entertainment	Failure
ColorGraphics Weather Systems	Media & Entertainment	Failure
Edu-Ware	Media & Entertainment	Failure
Epyx	Media & Entertainment	Failure
GhostTunes	Media & Entertainment	Failure
Guvera	Media & Entertainment	Failure
Human Engineered Software	Media & Entertainment	Failure
I.TV	Media & Entertainment	Failure
Inland Productions	Media & Entertainment	Failure
InterVideo	Media & Entertainment	Failure
Jam.gg (formerly Piepacker)	Media & Entertainment	Failure
Justin.tv	Media & Entertainment	Failure
Massive Incorporated	Media & Entertainment	Failure
MECC	Media & Entertainment	Failure
Musicmatch Jukebox	Media & Entertainment	Failure
Nothing Real	Media & Entertainment	Failure
Nuverse	Media & Entertainment	Failure
Oculus Story Studio	Media & Entertainment	Failure
Penguin Esports	Media & Entertainment	Failure
Rdio	Media & Entertainment	Failure
Streamup	Media & Entertainment	Failure

Other industries

Technology & Software

511 cases

Manufacturing & Industrial

80 cases

Finance

76 cases

Commerce & Retail

51 cases

Healthcare & Wellness

51 cases

Education

24 cases

Food & Beverage

19 cases

Construction & Real Estate

15 cases

Professional Services

9 cases

Agriculture & Environment

7 cases

Personal Services

4 cases