Reid Hoffman and founding partners launched LinkedIn in 2003 as a professional networking website. The service was designed to help users maintain professional contacts, display work histories, and discover business opportunities.
LinkedIn was founded in Mountain View, California, and officially launched on May 5, 2003. Its early growth was gradual compared with many consumer social networks because its purpose was centered on professional identity rather than personal updates or entertainment.
A common mix-up is crediting Hoffman as LinkedIn’s sole founder. He was the best-known founder and later served as chairman, but the founding team also included Allen Blue, Konstantin Guericke, Eric Ly, and Jean-Luc Vaillant. Microsoft announced its acquisition of LinkedIn in 2016.