My 4th failed startup (2nd due to user acquisition costs)
Hello HN, Later today I'll be shutting down the servers and moving on. This is my 5th startup and the 4th failure. The reason is very simple: I understimated the cost of user acquisition. This is the second time this happened. The dozens of users actually love the software and are using it on a daily basis. I'm ruthless when it comes to coding and money. So, if you are building a startup: do not ignore how much money you will have to spend to get a user. If you are not able to find that number, something could be wrong with your model. Maybe someone smarter than me could write something…
My 4th failed startup (2nd due to user acquisition costs) launched on December 14, 2012 with 11 votes, #117 of 501 launches that month and more than 50% of that year's launches. The site was still online in September 2026, 13 years on.
In plain words
Condoly was a developer tool that shut down due to unsustainable user acquisition costs. Though its small user base actively used the software daily, the founder determined the cost to acquire each customer exceeded the business model's viability. The failure marked the second time user acquisition economics derailed the founder's startup, highlighting a critical lesson for founders building new products.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
Condoly.com is for sale on Spaceship. Secure checkout and quick transfer. See all purchase options. No hidden fees.
In the maker’s words, at launch
Hello HN, Later today I'll be shutting down the servers and moving on. This is my 5th startup and the 4th failure. The reason is very simple: I understimated the cost of user acquisition. This is the second time this happened. The dozens of users actually love the software and are using it on a daily basis. I'm…
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