I started a company (LLC) to develop something I was trying to patent (utility patent). I kept things going as a side business for about 5 years while I worked

I started a company (LLC) to develop something I was trying to patent (utility patent). I kept things going as a side business for about 5 years while I worked a full time job, wrangled the patent, and put money and time into manufacturing, designs, and marketing. I hoped to build up a customer base to show the value of the patent and then license the patent to other manufacturers. When the patent application failed, I decided to close the business. Without the IP, the more I built the market, the more likely someone else would come in to compete, and an established manufacturer could definitely beat me on price. I learned a lot about how difficult marketing is (I come from a mathematics and software background) and how much footwork goes into sales. I also made some mistakes in the patent process I won't make again. It sucked to give up, but was also a relief. I wasn't betting my future on it, so it wasn't a huge hurdle to make the call. No patent == no business. I'll probably try again some day.