Here is an interesting visualization that shows varying successes of so called “Web 2.0″ start-ups. Posted by Meg Pickard on her Flickr page the image shows the logos of a number of web start-ups and are annotated to show the current state of the company (X=game over,  O=Flipped, No mark=Still operating).  

At a glance you see that the rate of success is not positive. It is interesting to note that this compilation is based off  an image created in 2006, showing the rapid rate of change in the technology industry. Even this image has probably changed since I originally viewed it.I think it would be interesting to explore the commonalities of both the successful and unsuccessful companies. A couple factors I would like to see compared would be:

• Technology used
• Market approached
• Functionality available
• Simplicity in design
• Where they first to market to fill the particular need?

I think you can learn a lot form the hits and misses of these companies. As well as learn quickly since the time from start-up to full fledged business is getting shorter and shorter.