Fail Fast: How 5 Startups Got a Second Chance

"Pivot" is often viewed as a dirty word in the startup world, with the assumption being that the founders failed in some way. But sometimes failing — or at least acknowledging you're on the wrong course — is the best path toward success.

While founders at some companies like Evernote have prided themselves on staying 100% true to their original vision, many other well-known startups chose to overhaul or outright abandon their original idea early on, in favor of a different business strategy

Here's a look at some of the predecessors to today's hottest startups, several of which are now valued in the billions of dollars: