How Startups Grow with media driven

MealSurfers was a two-sided marketplace connecting home cooks with customers seeking affordable, healthy meals in downtown Toronto. Founded by Ali Jiwani in 2015, the startup grew after a CBC Radio interview brought thousands of signups but struggled with low customer retention (less than 10% repeat purchases), regulatory challenges from Toronto Public Health, and lack of focus on its business model. Ali eventually exited the company after about 2 years, selling it above market price to a private fund.