This post is part of my series featuring established companies and the smaller, more aggressive or innovative rivals that may eventually succeed them.
I remember way, way back to November 2006 when Wall Street was stunned that Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) was paying the ungodly sum of $1.65 billion for privately held YouTube. How were they to monetize this goofy, home video web site? Since November 2006, it appears that Google got a bargain when compared to other social networking web sites.
Facebook has over 80 million users including a new Facebook profile for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. Facebook attained Wall Street relevancy last year when Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) agreed to pay the unheard of $246 million for a 1.6% ownership stake. That October 24, 2007, Microsoft investment valued Facebook at nearly $10 billion in the private equity world. As of yet, there is no filed Facebook IPO, but investors bet the company will file an IPO before the end of 2009.
The new player capturing headlines in the social networking world is LinkedIn. The company is designed for the business and professional world. The more than 23 million registered users represent over 150 different industries. It's a place to swap ideas, best practices and other opportunities.
LinkedIn was founded in 2002 specifically for the business community. LinkedIn just received a $53 million venture capital investment led by Sequoia Partners. The $53 million represents a 5% stake in the company, therefore valuing LinkedIn at $1.06 billion.
The simple business model of social networking web sites allows for an instant global presence, thus enhancing the underlying values of these companies. In the case of Google, the monetizing of YouTube will begin shortly as Google strategically places quick 15 second ads on the bottom of the requested video. Google will be watched closely by other industry insiders as no one wants to cheapen the freedom and ease of use of the social networks by cluttering them with countless ads.
With fresh growth capital, LinkedIn will expand its marketing efforts globally and grow its user list. The user list is the most valuable asset and Sequoia Partners valued each member at over $50.
The next couple of Google-type IPOs may come from this sector of the Internet ... stay tuned.
Georges Yared is the editor of YaredsGameChangers.com and the author of the new report "How to Spot the Next Google."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-30-2008 @ 3:23PM
alex said...
Medical Records Going Green.
Alex Papas the creator and the developer of the prepaid phone cards in the United States ,has just created a new medical breakthrough called The MedeFileCard. MedeFile's centralized, confidential electronic portfolio gives you 24/7 access to your medical history. No more wasting time and filling out paperwork when you go to the doctor or the hospital. Your Medical records going Green. Alex Papas is donating $1 billion dollars in the medefilecard to companies, foundations, charities and churches to give to their customers, employees and their families. If you would like to donate the medefilecard to your company, charity or foundation contact Alex Papas at 954 729 8888
7-06-2008 @ 10:37PM
alex said...
Entrepreneur Going Green
Palm Beach entrepreneur Alex Papas, the creator and the developer of the prepaid phone card in the United States is bringing you two going green projects. Papas has just created a new medical breakthrough called The MedeFile Card. MedeFile’s centralized, confidential electronic portfolio gives you 24/7 access to your medical history. No more wasting time and filling out paperwork when you go to see the doctor or go to the hospital. Imagine that you or your parent or child has suddenly become ill. They are in a place where no one knows them, their blood type, what medications they are on, or what allergies they have. Quick decisions could mean the difference between life and death. Each year the lack of accurate medical information – or the wrong information – takes a terrible toll. With MedeFile you can be better prepared with vital information should such an emergency arise. Your Medical records are going Green. Alex Papas is donating
$100 million dollars in The MedeFile Card to charities, foundations, churches and to companies all over the world. For more information on The MedeFile Card go to www.medefilecard.com
Alex Papas is also getting ready to bring you the first Green Island in the world, called Star Island. Papas and his partners are developing a paradise within a paradise, for the rich and famous. This luxurious 5-diamond private island community is nestled at the northern end of the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Just a 55 min flight away from Palm Beach, Ft Lauderdale or Miami and only a 10 min boat ride to the island and Harbour Island is also only a 10 min boat ride away, yet light years away in its unique culture and ambiance of unhurried ease.
This 35-acre private island paradise will consist of 45 beachfront and dockage estate lots. There will be a condominium-hotel and waterfront bungalows. The island will have every amenity possible including world renowned restaurants, cafes, boutiques, club house, grocery store, tennis courts, basketball courts, state of the art fitness center & high end spa, marina, helicopter pad, and a park. Private boats and limo take you to and from the island and the airport. Hundreds of palm trees will cover the island and its beautiful sandy beaches. The island has elevations up to 24 ft and the best bone fishing in the world. The entire island will be managed as a 5 diamond hotel. Anyone can call at two or three in the morning to request a bottle of champagne and your favorite midnight snack. We're creating a luxurious atmosphere.
For more information on Star Island Bahamas go to www.starislandbahamas.com
You can contact Alex Papas at 954 729 8888
7-06-2008 @ 10:36PM
alex said...
Entrepreneur Going Green
Palm Beach entrepreneur Alex Papas, the creator and the developer of the prepaid phone card in the United States is bringing you two going green projects. Papas has just created a new medical breakthrough called The MedeFile Card. MedeFile’s centralized, confidential electronic portfolio gives you 24/7 access to your medical history. No more wasting time and filling out paperwork when you go to see the doctor or go to the hospital. Imagine that you or your parent or child has suddenly become ill. They are in a place where no one knows them, their blood type, what medications they are on, or what allergies they have. Quick decisions could mean the difference between life and death. Each year the lack of accurate medical information – or the wrong information – takes a terrible toll. With MedeFile you can be better prepared with vital information should such an emergency arise. Your Medical records are going Green. Alex Papas is donating
$100 million dollars in The MedeFile Card to charities, foundations, churches and to companies all over the world. For more information on The MedeFile Card go to www.medefilecard.com
Alex Papas is also getting ready to bring you the first Green Island in the world, called Star Island. Papas and his partners are developing a paradise within a paradise, for the rich and famous. This luxurious 5-diamond private island community is nestled at the northern end of the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Just a 55 min flight away from Palm Beach, Ft Lauderdale or Miami and only a 10 min boat ride to the island and Harbour Island is also only a 10 min boat ride away, yet light years away in its unique culture and ambiance of unhurried ease.
This 35-acre private island paradise will consist of 45 beachfront and dockage estate lots. There will be a condominium-hotel and waterfront bungalows. The island will have every amenity possible including world renowned restaurants, cafes, boutiques, club house, grocery store, tennis courts, basketball courts, state of the art fitness center & high end spa, marina, helicopter pad, and a park. Private boats and limo take you to and from the island and the airport. Hundreds of palm trees will cover the island and its beautiful sandy beaches. The island has elevations up to 24 ft and the best bone fishing in the world. The entire island will be managed as a 5 diamond hotel. Anyone can call at two or three in the morning to request a bottle of champagne and your favorite midnight snack. We're creating a luxurious atmosphere.
For more information on Star Island Bahamas go to www.starislandbahamas.com
You can contact Alex Papas at 954 729 8888
8-30-2008 @ 6:47AM
alex said...
CBS radio signs an exclusive radio deal with Alex Papas to promote and advertise the Medefile Card. Alex Papas the creator and the developer of the prepaid phone card in the United States, has just created a new medical breakthrough called The MedeFile Card. MedeFile’s centralized, confidential electronic portfolio gives you 24/7 access to your medical history. No more wasting time and filling out paperwork when you go to see the doctor or go to the hospital. Imagine that you or your parent or child has suddenly become ill. They are in a place where no one knows them, their blood type, what medications they are on, or what allergies they have. Quick decisions could mean the difference between life and death. Each year the lack of accurate medical information – or the wrong information – takes a terrible toll. With MedeFile you can be better prepared with vital information should such an emergency arise. Your Medical records are going Green. CBS radio will promote the Medefile Card on the air, and hand out free $20 Medefile Cards at all events. CBS will also put banner ads on there websites. For more information on The MedeFile Card go to www.medefilecard.com