neonode
The business, the turning points, and the decisions behind them.
01 / WHAT IT BUILT
What the company did
Neonode was a Swedish mobile technology company built around its patented optical infrared touchscreen technology, zForce. It is best known for the Neonode N2, a small touch-based GSM handset introduced in 2004 that predated the iPhone era. After the handset business collapsed, the parent company Neonode Inc. pivoted to operating as a technology licensing company, developing and marketing its touch technology to third parties.
02 / neonode FAILURE REASONS
Failure reasons
The Neonode N2 handset failed commercially and dragged the company down. The company admitted it had pushed into too many markets too quickly; in the summer of 2008 it missed earnings guidance and had to recall the N2 over reception issues. While rivals innovated rapidly in the touchscreen era that the iPhone ushered in, Neonode stagnated. With no sufficient funds to continue operations, the Swedish operating subsidiary filed for bankruptcy in December 2008.
03 / EVENT HISTORY
Events in the structured record
- N2 handset introduced
Neonode introduced the Neonode N2, a small touch-based GSM phone built on its optical touchscreen technology.
- Earnings miss and recall
In mid-2008 Neonode missed earnings guidance and recalled the N2 over reception issues; Nasdaq warned the company its stock faced delisting.
- Bankruptcy filing
On December 10, 2008, Neonode AB, the wholly-owned Swedish subsidiary of Neonode Inc., filed for bankruptcy protection in Sweden, with CEO Per Bystedt citing insufficient funds to continue operations.
- Delisted, pivot to licensing
In January 2009 Nasdaq delisted Neonode's shares (trading moved to the Pink Sheets); the parent company said it would continue as a technology licensing company built on its zForce patents.
04 / CONTEMPORARY REBUILD ASSESSMENT
Difficulty of rebuilding this project today
Material for this section is being gathered and checked. It will appear here once ready.
Overall assessment: Not completed
05 / CAUSAL CHAIN
How the factors connect
- 01
In December 2008 Neonode AB filed for bankruptcy in Sweden after running out of funds.
- 02
On January 2, 2009, Nasdaq delisted the company's shares for failing to meet continued listing standards; trading moved to the Pink Sheets.
- 03
The parent company abandoned the handset business and continued as a touchscreen technology licensing company.