RevCube Media is going under - maybe not immediately, but sometime this year. RevCube works to optimize many pieces of online advertising across multiple channels - a similar goal to ClickShift (now WebTrends Dynamic Search), which I started at about the same time. I was introduced to the founder of Revcube (started as AdaptAds, but forced to change its name by Adapt SEM, another company entering the same space at about the same time) in mid-2005, just as I was starting ClickShift. In a "Silicon Valley is a very small world" story - the co-founder of my current company, who was in my wedding, made the introduction at his wedding.
While updating my profile on LinkedIn and seeing who my friends had recommended, I noticed a flurry of "recommendations" for a RevCube exec in the last few weeks. Clearly, the request for references was sent while still at the company. That means a departure is imminent. But since the references were from other Revcube people, leaving is no secret - so execs at RevCube know that other execs are looking for work and are proactively helping them find it. The company must be in trouble. If it weren't, it would be difficult for an exec to leave with the proactive help of the CEO. The investors aren't known for being "entrepreneur friendly", so I don't think they'll provide much support in the hard times. The company will go under this year. If I were thinking about becoming a customer, I'd want to see some financial statements at the very least.
The best competitive situation is when several of the startups in the space thrive - means you picked a good market - so I don't enjoy watching RevCube go. But I'm pretty sure they're on the way out.
Technorati Tags:revcube, linkedin
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
RevCube is going under - my prediction from LinkedIn
Posted by John Rodkin at 3:30 PM
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6 comments:
It's amazing that Revcube has lasted even this long. Revcube was falling apart midway through 2007, with a series of high profile defections. Add to that not one successful client and two massive layoffs and you have a crash and burn situation. What's unfortunate is that the concept was brilliant and technology was for the most part solid. But the product on top of it and the revenue model were just totally whacked.
So what is going on at RevCube now?
As far as I can tell, it's either dead or on its very last leg. Some missing mangement on the website, no more job postings, no updates (except they did get an Always On 100 award on January 22nd - makes you question how those are given out).
I understand Raniere is out and scammed $$$$ from the VC.
That kind of comment is both spineless and plain and simple gossip. Hopefully you are a girl in junior high school because that is what you sound like.
I worked with one of their creative directors on some projects in 07. Their entire staff of designers was freelance. Not one on staff designer. Had trouble getting paid and the guy I worked with couldn't recall conversations we'd had from day to day. Really sad because I liked the concept of the technology. Couldn't believe this person was being paid to work there.
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