AOL's Acquisition of An In-Depth Look

How much did AOL actually acquire for? The answer to this question has been a matter of speculation and discussion within the tech community for years. Let's delve deep into the true value of this acquisition and explore what it means for both the company and the broader tech industry.

About The Predecessor

was a popular websites that users could use to create unique web pages to share information about themselves. It was founded in 2007 by Omar Hamoui and David Krichevsky. The platform was primarily focused on providing users with a place to create and display information about themselves in a more personal and engaging format, essentially functioning as an online resume with a personal touch.

Initial Speculations and Discoveries

TechCrunch: According to TechCrunch, the initial best guess for the acquisition price was around 15 million USD, with about 3/4 of it being paid in cash and the remaining 1/4 in equity form. Tony Conrad's Revelation: Less than 50 million USD was the stated value by Tony Conrad in a Techcrunch video interview. This number is significantly lower than the initial guesses and raises questions about the perceived value of at the time of acquisition.

The Final Price Reveal

In an interview that lasted for a bit over 20 minutes, Tony Conrad reveals the final figure for AOL's acquisition of According to the video (which should be watched for the last 20 seconds to get the full picture), the acquisition price was an astonishing 180 million USD. This marked a significant departure from the initial expectations and the previously mentioned 50 million USD.

Analysis and Implications

The acquisition of by AOL was not just a financial transaction but also an opportunity for AOL to expand its social media portfolio. At the time, offered users a unique way to present themselves online, which made it a valuable asset for AOL to integrate into its ecosystem. The high price paid suggests that AOL believed in the potential of as a platform and saw it as a way to compete with other social media giants like Facebook and Twitter.

Moreover, this acquisition highlighted the importance of personal branding and the shift from traditional resumes to dynamic, online portfolios. It also underscores the evolving nature of online identity and the growing demand for platforms that allow individuals to present themselves in a more personalized and engaging manner.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The acquisition of by AOL was a strategic move that aimed to enhance AOL's social media capabilities and capture the market for personalized online profiles. However, the final acquisition price of 180 million USD was a considerable investment that reflects the company's belief in the potential of the platform.

As we look to the future, the lessons from this acquisition can be applied to other companies that are looking to integrate personal and professional branding into their digital strategies. It serves as a reminder of the value placed on unique online identities and the important role they play in the digital landscape.