LinkedIn completely changed the model for how businesses can operate through the internet and has made it easier for people to locate job opportunities in their field. The business oriented social media website has been expanding to stay relevant which has included acquiring other smaller companies over the past four years. This has allowed LinkedIn to integrate new features and expand the website so both the users and advertisers get the most out of the site as possible. Here are the first biggest acquisitions made by LinkedIn.
5. Rapportive – $15 Million
Rapportive is an application that allows users to get their LinkedIn profile connected directly with their Google account. After connecting with Rapportive, any emails from people with LinkedIn profiles will show a mini version of their profile on the side of Gmail when you are reading or responding to the person. As the Rapportive slogan says it “shows you everything about your contacts right inside your inbox.” It’s a great feature and was acquired by LinkedIn for $15 million in 2012.
4. Pulse – $90 Million
Pulse is an app that is available on iPhones, Androids, and HTML5 browser devices that provides users with a news feed from multiple different RSS feeds. It is utilized by LinkedIn as a professional publishing platform that allows users to really add in a large amount of different feeds that they pay attention to each day. The app displays everything in a nice tile format and is now called “LinkedIn Pulse” since being acquired by LinkedIn for $90 million in 2013.
3. SlideShare – $119 Million
SlideShare is a website that allows users to easily upload files, documents, and presentations onto the website for public or private viewing. The site finds value in offering users the chance to upload their past work and projects onto the website and link it to a resume or LinkedIn profile so that potential employers can view everything they have accomplished. The website is very straightforward and easy to use but is a great feature for LinkedIn to have integrated with their website. The purchased the company for $119 million in 2012.
2. Bright – $120 Million
Bright is a company that has a behind the scenes impact for LinkedIn. The company researches and leverages data insights and matching technology to connect employers with candidates best suited for the job. This makes the process easier for users as well when searching around the LinkedIn sight trying to locate openings that are in their field and location. The company purchased Bright for $120 million in February of this year.
1. Bizo – $175 Million
Bizo is an application that helps advertises better target and reach businesses and individual users. The company also handles data management and targeting technology to create more precise B2B advertising programs. They have been very successful and even established trusted relationships with major companies like AMEX, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, and Microsoft (to name a few). LinkedIn acquired Bizo less than a month ago on July 22nd for $175 million.
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