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2003 CE Turn of the millennium Technology

LinkedIn Is Founded

Reid Hoffman and team launched LinkedIn in May 2003, focusing on verified work identities rather than college photo albums.

Setting the scene

Growth hacks included uploading address books and prompting congratulatory pings on job moves.

What happened

Premium recruiter seats funded the network while users tolerated email nudges.

Why it still matters

Microsoft acquisition integrated LinkedIn with Office 365 sales motions. Memorable detail: 'I'd like to add you to my professional network' became an ironic meme phrase.

Background

LinkedIn normalized thought-leader posts, layoff announcement storms, and B2B ad targeting in work contexts.

Sources

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