Microsoft operates LinkedIn after acquiring the professional networking company in 2016.
Microsoft announced the acquisition in June 2016 and completed it in December of that year for approximately $26.2 billion. LinkedIn continued operating as a distinct service and brand, led initially by its existing chief executive, Jeff Weiner.
LinkedIn provides professional profiles, job listings, recruiting tools, business publishing, and learning services. Its data and network complement Microsoft products such as Office, Teams, and Dynamics, although LinkedIn remains a separate platform for users.
A common error is to describe LinkedIn as a Microsoft product created by Microsoft. LinkedIn was founded in 2002 and launched in 2003, long before the acquisition. Microsoft purchased the established company rather than developing the original network itself.