Failure.Museum

Featured Additions:

Allan

Released in 1964, Allan, was named after the son-in-law of Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler as part of the Barbie collection. He was marketed as Ken’s

Bernie Madoff

In 2008, Bernie was arrested for turning his wealth management business into a $65 billion Ponzi scheme, which collapsed during the financial crisis.

Blockbuster

In 1994, Viacom bought Blockbuster for $8.4 billion. In 2000, the year after its IPO, Blockbuster turned down an opportunity to buy Netflix for $50

ESPN Mobile Phone

Launched and discontinued in 2006, ESPN burned through $150M (including $30M on a Super Bowl ad) for its mobile phone and only hit 6% of

FTX

FTX, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, once valued at $32B in January 2022, scammed billions from crypto-currency users. The company had built its

Harley-Davidson cologne

In 1996, this extension of the brand was too far for lovers of the motorcycle; reeked the scent of tobacco.

Jarts

In 1988, lawn darts with metal spikes were banned in America by the Consumer Product Safety Commission due to the severe danger they presented. These metal

Miss Bic

In 2012, Bic created a pencil for women. Yes — a pencil for women — since it’s share amongst women was lagging. Miss Bic didn’t

New Coke

In 1985, Coca-Cola reformulated Coke because they were losing market share to the sweeter tasting Pepsi-Cola. Consumers rejected New Coke as they had a deep

Pets.com

In November 1998 the website was launched and in November 2000 it was shutdown. Pets.com’s highly unprofitable pet food, especially with high shipping costs, killed

Theranos

Raised $1.3B and lied to patients to keep partners and investors happy leading to it’s demise in 2018. In 2003, 19-year-old Elizabeth Holmes left Stanford