AI Visual Planning Tool
The Rise and Fall of WithPlot: Why the Collaborative MarTech Startup Shut Down
Ever wondered what happened to WithPlot, the marketing collaboration platform that was supposed to revolutionize how teams work together? If you visited withplot.com recently and found a quiet shutdown notice, you’re not alone.
Founded with high hopes and seed backing, WithPlot aimed to modernize how marketing teams plan and execute campaigns. But by February 2024, the platform had closed its doors, offering no real explanation beyond a simple statement: “Plot is no longer in service.”
So, what went wrong?
The short answer: WithPlot likely struggled with low user adoption and revenue generation in an increasingly competitive market.
The long answer? Read on—we’ll break it down.
What Was WithPlot?
WithPlot (legally registered as Futureproof, Inc.) launched in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic. Based in Portland, Oregon, the platform was co-founded by Erin Gusty, Tessa Mu, and Tommy Jeon. Their pitch was clear: provide marketing teams with an intuitive and collaborative visual workspace to plan content, manage campaigns, and streamline workflows.
It wasn't a completely novel idea, but it was tailored specifically for high-volume marketing teams juggling omnichannel campaigns. Think of it as a creative whiteboard meets editorial calendar—custom-built for marketing professionals.
By January 2021, WithPlot had attracted seed funding. Investors likely saw potential in its use case, especially at a time when remote work and digital marketing were booming. They even launched customer acquisition programs like referral campaigns to accelerate growth.
However, just three years later, the dream had ended.
Why Did WithPlot Shut Down?
Short Answer:
WithPlot ceased operations in February 2024 due to financial challenges—primarily from low customer adoption, lack of follow-on funding, and intense competition in the collaborative marketing software space.
Long Answer: A Breakdown of Contributing Factors
Here’s a deeper look at what likely led to WithPlot’s downfall:
Lack of Product-Market Fit
While WithPlot offered a visually compelling environment for marketing collaboration, it wasn’t alone in doing so. Competitors like Trello, Asana, and newer AI-infused platforms already served many of the same needs—with broader toolsets. WithPlot’s niche offering may have struggled to meet the evolving expectations of digital-first teams used to deep integrations, automation, and analytics.
Limited User Adoption
Despite being live for several years, user traction was minimal. Trustpilot holds virtually no customer reviews tied to WithPlot, and the company’s social and public presence was limited. This low adoption not only stified community growth but made attracting additional funding and business customers harder.
Monetization Challenges
While their product seemed useful, there’s no clear evidence they found a sustainable way to monetize. Without a strong base of paying customers or successful freemium-upgrade funnel, even the most beautifully designed platform will falter.
Serious Competition
By the time WithPlot entered the scene, big names like Asana and Trello had already dominated collaborative workflows. Meanwhile, emerging platforms like Notion and Plot.so were innovating fast with AI-driven experiences. Breaking into this space required not just features, but significant differentiation—and WithPlot may have fallen short.
Under-Funding and No Follow-On Rounds
Crunchbase confirms that WithPlot only raised seed funding in early 2021. No Series A ever materialized. Without additional capital to scale marketing, hire more engineers, and compete, many startups stagnate. That appears to be exactly what happened.
Leadership Pivoted to New Ventures
The founding team seems to have proactively moved on. Erin Gusty is now a co-founder and COO at Flourish Commerce and is also involved in another startup called Automagically. This pivot suggests an internal decision to discontinue WithPlot—not the result of external crisis, but strategic redirection.
Comparison: Why Plot.so and Asana Succeeded Where WithPlot Failed
To appreciate WithPlot’s challenges, it helps to compare it to platforms that found success.
Plot.so, launched around 2022, chose a narrower, sharper focus: helping social media teams create content in real time with AI assist features. Fast iteration, simple UX, and early traction helped them win over creators in a competitive space.
Asana, founded in 2008, built enduring value by integrating deeply with enterprise workflows. Their ecosystem, support, and continuous innovation made them a default in project management, not just a temporary tool.
WithPlot, while focused and user-friendly, perhaps fell into the trap of trying to do a lot without doing any one thing better than a competitor.
Final Thoughts: Lessons from the WithPlot Story
WithPlot’s short life offers a clear lesson: even promising ideas with funding and purpose-built design can fail if product-market fit doesn’t click fast enough. The collaborative marketing tech space is brutally competitive. You need not only a differentiated product but also strong marketing, user retention strategies, and enough funding runway to learn and adapt.
It’s also a tale of smart pivoting. Rather than continuing to burn resources, the founders chose to move on—channeling their talents into new ventures. That’s failure handled with foresight.
Who knows? Their next startup might be a winner.
FAQs About WithPlot
Who founded WithPlot?
WithPlot was co-founded by Erin Gusty, Tessa Mu, and Tommy Jeon in 2020.
When did WithPlot launch?
The platform was launched in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 shift to remote work.
When was WithPlot shut down?
WithPlot officially ceased operations by February 14, 2024.
How much funding did WithPlot raise?
WithPlot raised a seed round in January 2021. There were no visible follow-on funding rounds.
Why did WithPlot fail?
Primarily due to low customer adoption, lack of revenue, limited funding, and strong competition in the market collaboration space.
What happened to WithPlot's team?
The founders moved on to new ventures such as Flourish Commerce and Automagically. Details about the rest of the team remain unknown.
WithPlot may not have left a deep footprint, but its story is a reminder: In tech, timing, traction, and tenacity matter as much as the idea.
What is withplot.com?
Plot, also known as Futureproof, is a company specializing in a SaaS lifecycle marketing platform. Their platform features collaborative visual canvases designed to assist modern marketing teams in planning, calendaring, and producing customer experiences. For organizations focused on omnichannel marketing strategies, Plot offers tools that may be beneficial for exploration.
How can I sign up for withplot.com?
To sign up for Plot, follow these steps:
- Visit the Plot website: Go to withplot.com in your web browser.
- Click on “Get Started”: Look for a prominent button or link that says “Get Started” or something similar. Click on it to begin the sign-up process.
- Provide your information: Enter details such as your name, email address, and any other required information. Follow the prompts to proceed with registration.
- Verify your email: Check your inbox for an email from Plot. Click on the verification link provided to confirm your account.
- Set up your account: Once verified, you’ll likely be prompted to set up your account by choosing a password and configuring other preferences.
- Explore the platform: After completing the sign-up process, explore Plot's features and functionalities, particularly their collaborative visual canvases tailored for marketing planning and execution.
How can I integrate withplot.com with other tools?
Integrating Plot with other tools can significantly enhance your marketing workflows and streamline processes. While I don’t have specific details about Plot’s integrations, here are general steps you can follow:
Explore Available Integrations: Visit Plot’s official website or documentation to check for pre-built integrations. Look for an “Integrations” or “Connect” section where they might list supported tools.
APIs and Webhooks: If Plot offers APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) or webhooks, utilize them to connect with other applications. APIs facilitate data exchange between systems, while webhooks trigger actions based on specific events.
Zapier or Integromat: Consider using third-party automation platforms such as Zapier or Integromat. These tools enable you to create customized workflows by linking different apps. Search for “Plot” in their app directories to find available integrations.
Identify Use Cases: Determine your specific integration needs. For instance:
- CRM Integration: Sync customer data between Plot and your CRM system.
- Email Marketing: Automate campaign execution by integrating with email marketing tools.
- Analytics: Send Plot data to analytics platforms for in-depth insights.Authentication and Permissions: Obtain necessary permissions and authentication tokens (like API keys or OAuth tokens) required to set up integrations. Ensure you have the appropriate access rights.
Configuration: Follow integration setup instructions provided by Plot or the other tool. This typically involves specifying endpoints, mapping data fields, and configuring triggers to ensure seamless data flow.
Testing and Monitoring: Thoroughly test the integration to verify data accuracy and functionality. Monitor integration logs and troubleshoot any issues that arise during testing.
For more detailed guidance, consult Plot’s official resources or contact their support team for assistance tailored to your specific integration needs.
How secure is data in withplot.com?
Plot’s data security is critical for any SaaS platform, particularly in marketing where handling sensitive information is common. While specific details about Plot’s security practices aren't available, here are some general insights:
Graph Algorithms for Cybersecurity: Graph databases, similar to those used by Plot, play a crucial role in cybersecurity by integrating diverse data sources and effectively handling large volumes of data. They facilitate visualization of correlated alerts and identification of patterns, aiding in threat detection.
API Security Considerations: If Plot utilizes APIs (like the Microsoft Graph API), it’s vital to ensure these are securely implemented to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches. APIs should adhere to industry best practices for authentication and data encryption.
Integration with Security Tools: Plot should incorporate robust authentication mechanisms, encryption protocols, and access controls. Integration with other security tools, such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems, can further enhance threat detection and response capabilities.
For specific details regarding Plot’s security practices, it's recommended to consult their official documentation or reach out to their support team. They can provide comprehensive information tailored to their security measures and protocols.
What are the benefits of withplot.com?
Plot is a SaaS lifecycle marketing platform designed to streamline workflows and enhance productivity for professionals. Here are some key benefits it offers:
Interactive Planning Canvases: Plot provides visual canvases that enable teams to align on strategy and deliverables effectively. This collaborative approach spans from initial planning stages to content production, ensuring streamlined coordination across various channels.
Realistic Prototypes: Users can accelerate quality assurance processes with Plot's realistic prototypes. These prototypes facilitate quick visualization, sharing, and discussion of work-in-progress, fostering efficient collaboration among team members.
Time Savings: Professional teams benefit from increased productivity by managing workflows intuitively within Plot. The platform's tools and features are designed to minimize administrative overhead and optimize time spent on marketing activities.
Flexible Pricing: Plot offers a range of pricing options, including a free-forever plan and customizable packages starting at $8.0 per month. This flexibility allows users to choose a plan that best suits their needs and budget.
For specific details about Plot’s features and pricing, visit their official website where comprehensive information is available.
%20(1)%20(1).webp){kind=logo}
