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Strategies & Insights

Examining the missteps and wins of various software products across industries reveals common pitfalls that can derail even the most promising innovations. From inadequate market research and poor user experience design to insufficient testing and failure to adapt to technological advancements, these challenges underscore the importance of thorough planning and execution. 

WINNING STRATEGIES

250

Products to Review

Each product overview highlights the winning strategies from various departments within the company, showcasing how collaboration across teams is essential for success in the tech industry.

BioTech

23andMe Genetic Testing Platform

A direct-to-consumer platform offering genetic testing for health insights and ancestry exploration.

CleanTech

AMP Neuron Recycling AI Platform

A platform using AI and robotics to identify, sort, and recover recyclable materials, improving efficiency in waste management.

IoTTech

AWS IoT Core

A cloud service for securely connecting IoT devices, managing data, and integrating with other AWS services for analytics and machine learning.

FinTech

Acorns Micro-Investing App

A platform allowing users to invest spare change from everyday purchases into diversified portfolios.

HRTech

ADP Workforce Now

A comprehensive platform for payroll, HR management, benefits administration, and compliance tailored for midsize businesses.

FashionTech

ASOS Marketplace

A platform allowing independent boutiques and vintage sellers to showcase and sell their products globally.

GovTech

Accela Civic Platform

A comprehensive platform offering tools for managing permits, licenses, inspections, and civic services, enabling governments to streamline processes.

MarTech

ActiveCampaign CXA (Customer Experience Automation) Platform

A customer experience platform combining email marketing, marketing automation, and CRM tools to create personalized experiences.

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WHAT WENT WRONG...

200

Lessons Learned

Not all products succeed immediately—or at all—but they offer valuable lessons on what went wrong and how to avoid similar pitfalls in your own company.

BioTech

Health Risk Reports (Initial Rollout)

The FDA halted the release of genetic health reports due to insufficient scientific validation and concerns about misleading consumers.

HRTech

ADP Onboarding System (Early Rollout)

The onboarding tool failed due to slow performance and technical glitches, which caused frustration among HR teams and new hires.

InsurTech

Acko Instant Claims Portal

The claims portal struggled with adoption due to frequent downtime and poor user experience for complex claims.

HealthTech

Health Risk Reports (2013)

FDA halted the company’s genetic health reports due to insufficient scientific validation, leading to temporary service suspension.

FashionTech

ASOS AR Try-On Tool

An augmented reality tool to let users virtually try on clothing failed due to poor usability and limited realism in its outputs.

MarTech

Adobe Marketing Cloud (Early Versions)

Early versions faced criticism for a steep learning curve and weak integration between tools, limiting user adoption.

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STRATEGY DECKS

Strategize Success with Go-To-Market Cards

Unlock your potential with our Go-To-Market Strategies Card Deck, featuring a comprehensive scoring system across six categories. Each card delivers key benefits and tailored advice, empowering your company to accelerate growth, boost engagement, and achieve deep market penetration. Harness these strategies to effectively navigate market entry and expansion with precision.

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50 Cards

Master Your Pricing

Explore our series of Pricing Cards, providing a thorough overview of various pricing models suited for diverse business landscapes. Each card details a specific model, outlining its ideal applications, key advantages, and strategic considerations. This resource is designed to guide businesses in selecting the most effective pricing strategy for their software offerings.

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41 Cards

Prioritize with Precision

Running out of money is a top reasons startups fail. Spend your money wisely by building the right thing at the right time. Each card provides step-by-step instructions and expert tips for aligning project activities with strategic business objectives and stakeholder values. These techniques are essential for optimizing project outcomes and driving focused progress.

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21 Cards

Master Your Next Investor Pitch

Discover the essential components of a successful investor pitch deck. Our comprehensive card deck explains what to include and the reasons behind each choice, ensuring you present with confidence and precision.

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76 Cards

COMPANY INSIGHTS

25

Profiles

Only one email per month. Limited time offer.

FRACTIONAL LEADERSHIP

The Smart Start for Startups

Expert Guidance Without the Full-Time Cost

Launching a software startup is tough, especially when expertise gaps slow you down. Fractional leaders bring strategic clarity, rapid problem-solving, and mentorship to your team—without the burden of full-time salaries. Whether it’s crafting a killer product roadmap or aligning teams for success, fractional executives deliver the leadership you need to scale fast and smart.

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