Vitals: Founded 2018, Peak Val $850 M, Outcome Asset sale to HP ($116 M)

What Went Right

1️⃣ “Screen-less iPhone” vision grabbed global press.

2️⃣ $230 M raised, Microsoft partnerships in the deck.

Where the Blood Flow Stopped

1️⃣ 60-minute battery + overheating killed daily use.

2️⃣ $699 device and $24/mo fee—a premium tax on an unproven need.

3️⃣ Hardware margin ≈ -60 %; burn > $10 M/month.

Prescription

✅ Ship an MVP slice, then layer AI sparkle.

✅ Price for perceived value, not prestige.

✅ Test core utility in real pockets before TED-style demos.

One Take-away

“Make sure the flashlight turns on before adding disco lights.”

How to use it this week:

  1. Pick the one thing your product must do (flashlight).
  2. Test it in a real-life situation—no fancy add-ons.
  3. Fix any flicker you see.
  4. Only then add cool extras.

Got a unicorn you want on next week’s slab? Drop it below 👇

Disclaimer: This analysis is based on public info and my own interpretation; facts may evolve and any errors are mine alone.