Three Startup Failures Product Managers Can Learn From
Oxy Media, ScaleFactor, & Quibi
As Bill Gates once said, “It is fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” There are lots of inspiring stories of success in the tech industry. There are also a lot of lessons that product managers can learn from failures as well. Failure stories are always interesting to read. Product managers sometimes get a vicarious thrill and say “there by the grace of God I don’t go.” The stories of Oxy Media, SclaeFactor, and Quibi are especially informative.
Don’t Lie, Cheat, or Steal — The Story of Oxy Media
In Kindergarten most kids are taught a few basic rules on how to function in society. Don’t lie, cheat, or steal is one of them. Many startups have broken these rules and paid the price for it. Product managers should learn from these mistakes and strive never to repeat them. The recent case of Oxy Media is a great example.
Ozy is an American media and entertainment company launched in September 2013 by Carlos Watson and Samir Rao. Its headquarters is in Mountain View, California, and it also has an office in New York City. Ozy produces podcasts, television series and events. It was founded in 2012 and has about 120 employees. It did about $50 million…
