LinkedIn Acquires Connected: A Success Story

This blog post celebrates the recent acquisition of the startup Connected by LinkedIn. Connected was co-founded by Ada Chen and Sachin Rekhi, who have made a significant mark in the contact management space. The acquisition marks a major milestone for the company and its founders.

• Connected is a platform that aims to unify and dynamically update users’ connections on email, social networks, calendars, and phones.
• It is a dashboard-style service, offering a comprehensive view of contacts across various platforms, unlike its plug-in competitors like Xobni/Smartr.
• The company’s success can be attributed to its innovative approach to contact management and the dedication of its founders.

The Acquisition Details

LinkedIn's acquisition of Connected was announced in October 2011. Details of the deal, such as the acquisition price, were not publicly disclosed. However, the acquisition is a testament to the potential of Connected’s innovative contact management solution.

Connected's Journey: From Startup to Acquisition

Connected's journey from a startup to a successful acquisition is a story of perseverance, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

• The company was backed by seed investments from prominent venture capital firms, Ignition Partners and Trinity Ventures.
• The startup raised $500,000 in a seed round led by Trinity Ventures in June 2011, showcasing the confidence investors had in Connected's potential.
• The company's service, described as "bloody awesome" by tech industry veteran Tim O’Reilly, garnered positive feedback, further fueling its growth.

Post-Acquisition: Moving Forward

Following the acquisition, Ada Chen and Sachin Rekhi, the founders of Connected, will be relocating to Mountain View, California, to join the LinkedIn team. This move allows them to continue their work with Connected and contribute to LinkedIn's contact management efforts.

• The acquisition is expected to benefit both LinkedIn and Connected, enabling LinkedIn to enhance its contact management offerings and providing Connected with a larger platform to reach a broader audience.
• The integration of Connected's technology into LinkedIn's platform is anticipated to create a more robust and user-friendly experience for LinkedIn members.
• This acquisition is likely to further solidify LinkedIn's position as a leading professional networking platform.

The Impact of Connected's Acquisition

The acquisition of Connected has implications for the broader contact management space and the future of professional networking.

• The acquisition highlights the growing importance of effective contact management in a digital world.
• It underscores the potential for startups to contribute to the development of innovative solutions in this space.
• The acquisition also suggests the increasing role of strategic partnerships in driving innovation in technology.

About Connected

Connected is a contact management startup that aims to revolutionize the way people manage their connections. The company's innovative approach to contact management, which unifies and dynamically updates users’ connections across various platforms, has made it a valuable tool for professionals and individuals seeking to stay connected.

About the Founders: Ada Chen and Sachin Rekhi

Ada Chen and Sachin Rekhi are the co-founders of Connected. They bring a wealth of experience in the technology and entrepreneurial space. Their vision and leadership have been instrumental in the company's success.

• Both Ada and Sachin have been involved in several successful startups and projects, demonstrating their entrepreneurial capabilities.
• Their expertise in contact management and technology has driven the development of Connected's innovative platform.
• The acquisition of Connected is a testament to their vision and dedication to creating a valuable and user-friendly contact management solution.