In February 2013, I decided to stop working on Groovy Gadgets, my first internet venture. The decision was not caused by a lack of ideas. Other projects, including Casami and Pasfoto.nu, needed so much attention that I could not give the shop the time it required. The original article also invited a potential buyer. That invitation belongs to 2013 and is not an offer today.
A platform still needs human work
Groovy Gadgets sold accessories, jewellery and other products through partners. The shop used dropshipping: partners shipped orders while the site handled marketing, payments and customer contact. The technology was there, but building a good range required finding partners, agreeing terms and adding products. That work was less visible than the website, yet it determined whether the concept could grow.
The sale article listed assets and figures such as visitors, customers, partners and a conversion rate. They were snapshots from 2013. Without later records, I cannot say how the business performed afterwards or what it would be worth now. Presenting those old figures as a current opportunity would mislead.
Focus is a choice
A project can be interesting yet no longer fit the time available. I wanted to focus on work to which I could contribute more then. Stopping or handing something over can be a business choice even after a large personal investment.
The lesson is not that you must always run only one company. It is that a good idea may stall without enough attention. In 2013, I chose to face that and say goodbye to my first internet venture.