Xing History

Xing is a professional networking platform primarily popular in German-speaking countries, similar to LinkedIn. Here’s a detailed history of Xing and its key developments:

### 2003: Founding

- **2003**: Xing was founded in Hamburg, Germany, by Lars Hinrichs. Originally launched as "OpenBC" (Open Business Club), the platform aimed to connect professionals and facilitate networking.

### 2004: Official Launch and Rebranding

- **April 2004**: OpenBC was officially launched to the public, allowing users to create profiles, connect with others, and build their professional networks.

- **2006**: The platform rebranded itself as Xing, reflecting its broader vision and expansion beyond Germany to other European markets.

### 2007: Rapid Growth

- **2007**: Xing experienced significant growth, reaching 3 million users by the end of the year. The platform became increasingly popular in German-speaking countries, particularly Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

### 2008: New Features and International Expansion

- **2008**: Xing introduced several new features, including improved search functionality, group discussions, and event management tools, enhancing user engagement and networking opportunities.

- **2008**: The platform began to expand internationally, targeting users in other European countries and increasing its presence in the global professional networking landscape.

### 2010: Public Offering

- **2010**: Xing went public on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone for the company. The initial public offering (IPO) raised capital to support further growth and development.

- **2010**: By this time, Xing had over 8 million users, solidifying its position as one of the leading professional networking platforms in Europe.

### 2011: Continued Development and Features

- **2011**: Xing continued to enhance its platform, introducing new features such as *Xing Events*, allowing users to create and manage professional events, and *Xing Groups*, fostering community discussions around specific topics.

- **2011**: The platform also emphasized mobile access, launching mobile applications to improve user experience and engagement.

### 2013: Strategic Acquisitions and Growth

- **2013**: Xing made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its offerings, including the purchase of the online job board *jobsintown.de*, expanding its job search capabilities.

- **2013**: The platform reached 12 million users, continuing its growth trajectory and solidifying its position in the professional networking space.

### 2014: Enhanced User Experience

- **2014**: Xing focused on improving user experience, redesigning its interface and enhancing mobile features to make the platform more accessible and user-friendly.

- **2014**: The platform introduced new tools for recruiters and companies, allowing them to better connect with potential candidates.

### 2015: Focus on Professional Development

- **2015**: Xing launched the *Xing Coaches* feature, allowing users to find and connect with professional coaches for career development and personal growth.

- **2015**: The platform also emphasized content sharing, introducing features that allowed users to publish articles and share insights with their networks.

### 2016: Market Leadership

- **2016**: Xing reached 13 million users, maintaining its position as a leading professional networking platform in German-speaking countries.

- **2016**: The company continued to focus on enhancing its user base and features, including better tools for managing professional relationships and job searching.

### 2017: New Innovations

- **2017**: Xing introduced new features to improve user engagement, including the ability to create polls and surveys within groups, enhancing community interaction.

- **2017**: The platform also launched the *Xing Marketplace*, allowing users to offer services and connect with potential clients directly.

### 2018: Continued Focus on User Experience

- **2018**: Xing continued to enhance its platform, focusing on user feedback to improve features and functionality.

- **2018**: The company also emphasized diversity and inclusion within the professional networking space, launching initiatives to promote underrepresented voices and opportunities.

### 2019: Strategic Partnerships

- **2019**: Xing formed strategic partnerships with various organizations and educational institutions to enhance its offerings and provide users with more resources for career development.

- **2019**: The platform introduced new tools for employers to connect with candidates and manage job postings more effectively.

### 2020: Adapting to Challenges

- **2020**: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Xing adapted by providing resources and tools for remote networking, supporting professionals navigating the challenges of the changing job market.

- **2020**: The platform launched initiatives to support users in their job searches and professional development during the pandemic.

### 2021: Focus on Digital Networking

- **2021**: Xing continued to emphasize digital networking and professional development, launching features that facilitated virtual networking events and online collaborations.

- **2021**: The platform reached over 18 million users, expanding its influence and community in the professional networking space.

### 2022: Enhanced Features and Engagement

- **2022**: Xing introduced new features aimed at enhancing user engagement, including improved networking tools and resources for career development.

- **2022**: The platform continued to prioritize user experience, focusing on mobile access and accessibility for all users.

### 2023: Continued Innovation

- **2023**: Xing focused on integrating AI and data-driven tools to enhance user experience, improve job recommendations, and facilitate connections between professionals.

- **2023**: The platform emphasized supporting creators and professionals within its community, expanding its offerings for content creators and enhancing visibility for diverse voices.

### Legacy and Impact

Xing has played a significant role in shaping professional networking in German-speaking countries, providing a platform for professionals to connect, share knowledge, and find job opportunities. Its focus on user experience, community engagement, and professional development has made it a valuable resource for millions of users, fostering connections and opportunities in the evolving workforce landscape. Despite facing competition from global platforms like LinkedIn, Xing remains a crucial player in the European professional networking market.