Ask.com
Ask.com, established in 1996, is a leading global digital brand and top 10 U.S. website, serving over 100 million monthly users. Initially known as Ask Jeeves, it pioneered natural language search. In 2005, IAC acquired the company and rebranded it as Ask.com in 2006. In 2010, Ask.com reintroduced its question and answer (Q&A) platform, combining search technology with human responses to address complex or opinion-based queries. The company also launched a mobile application, downloaded over 3 million times. Ask.com's acquisitions of nRelate (2012) and About.com (2012) expanded its content offerings. Ask.com operates as a question answering-focused web search engine, delivering answers from the web and real people, with ads served by Google.
Top Stages
Past deals in Search Engine
Excite
Acquisition in 2005
Excite.com is a personalization web portal that offers a range of services, including an internet search engine. The platform is designed to provide users with tailored content and functionalities, enabling them to easily access information and resources online. Excite.com aims to enhance the user experience by combining effective search capabilities with curated content, making it a comprehensive destination for internet users seeking relevant and personalized information.
Interactive Search Holdings
Acquisition in 2004
Interactive Search Holdings whose properties and subsidiaries include My Way, My Search, My Web Search, iWon, Excite and MaxOnline, is one of the largest online search and media companies in the world.
Teoma Technologies
Acquisition in 2001
Teoma Technologies is a technology-focused company that operates an internet search engine platform. It utilizes a proprietary algorithm to power its search engine, which is supported by its own database. This unique technological foundation enables Teoma to deliver efficient and effective search capabilities, distinguishing itself in the competitive landscape of internet search services.
eTour
Acquisition in 2001
eTour is an online search engine based in Atlanta, Georgia, that functions as a web-surfing guide. The company specializes in providing users with tailored connections to websites that align with their individual interests. In addition to its primary web-surfing services, eTour also engages in internet media and direct marketing. Through its innovative platform, the company aims to enhance the online browsing experience by facilitating personalized website recommendations.
Direct Hit
Acquisition in 2000
Direct Hit is a Massachusetts company that had developed a "click popularity" search technology, which was licensed to MSN and [Lycos](/organization/lycos), among others. They were acquired by [Ask.com](http://www.crunchbase.com/organization/ask-com) in February of 2000.
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