Internet Brands

What began in 1998 as CarsDirect.com, a revolutionary concept born from the renowned business incubator Idealab, has blossomed into the multifaceted digital media and software services powerhouse known as Internet Brands. The initial mission was to create a 'haggle-free' online car buying experience, a consumer-centric approach that still resonates within the company's ethos. This foundational success in the automotive sector was just the beginning of a remarkable journey of growth and diversification. By 2006, the company had outgrown its original moniker and rebranded as Internet Brands, a name that more accurately reflected its expanding ambitions and its strategy of conquering high-value vertical markets. This strategic shift marked the start of an aggressive expansion into new territories, including Health, Legal, and Home/Travel. The company's trajectory has been characterized by a series of strategic acquisitions that have solidified its leadership position in each of its chosen verticals. A pivotal moment in this journey was the acquisition of WebMD, which instantly made Internet Brands a dominant force in the online health information space. This was followed by the integration of other major health-related platforms, creating an unparalleled digital health ecosystem. In the legal sphere, the company brought together esteemed brands like Nolo, Avvo, and Martindale-Hubbell, establishing the largest consumer information provider in the legal market. This pattern of acquiring and integrating leading brands has been replicated across its verticals, fueled by a powerful, proprietary operating platform that ensures scalability and efficiency. Now a private entity backed by major investment firms like KKR, Internet Brands continues to innovate, combining the agility of a startup with the resources and stability of an established industry leader, serving millions of consumers and business clients worldwide.