Likewise, Inc., is an American technology startup company which provides a social networking service for finding and saving content recommendations for movies, TV shows, books, and podcasts.[1] A team of ex-Microsoft employees founded Likewise in October 2017 with financial investment from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.[2]

Likewise, Inc.
Company typeStartup Company
IndustryEntertainment
Social Network
Founded2017; 7 years ago (2017)
FounderLarry Cohen
Ian Morris
Michael Dix
HeadquartersBellevue, Washington
Area served
United States
Canada
Number of employees
Approximately 35 (2020)
Websitewww.likewise.com

The company is led by CEO Ian Morris and now has a team of about 35 employees.[3] Its headquarters operates in Bellevue, Washington.[4] As of July 2020, 1 million users have joined the platform.[5]

History

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Gates on Likewise app

Ideation (October 2017)

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In 2017, former Microsoft Communications Chief Larry Cohen came up with the idea for Likewise in Bill Gates’ private office, Gates Ventures.[1] Cohen currently serves as Gates Ventures’ CEO and managing partner.[6]

Cohen collaborated with colleagues Michael Dix and Ian Morris to co-found what would become Likewise, with Morris as its CEO.[2] Gates funded the company's early development.[7]

The company developed its platform in stealth mode before launching publicly in October 2018.[2] Gates served as the “ultimate beta tester” during development, giving his input on the app's design, and remains an active user and advisor.[7]

Release (October 2018)

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Likewise officially released its platform in the US and Canada on October 3, 2018.[7]

Growth (2020 COVID-19 Pandemic)

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Likewise experienced accelerated growth alongside the COVID-19 pandemic.[8] From March 2020 to July 2020, the platform's monthly active users tripled in numbers.[3] The company reached one million users in July 2020.[5]

Applications

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Mobile

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Likewise is available as a mobile app for the Android and iOS mobile operating systems.[4][5] Users receive recommendations from the Likewise algorithm, people they follow, and the Likewise editorial team.[3][9]

Likewise TV

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In October 2019, the company launched its Apple TV app called Likewise TV. The television app organizes shows across streaming services under one watchlist.[10] On July 20, 2020, Likewise TV expanded to Android TV and Amazon Fire TV users.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Bill Gates-backed Likewise turns recommendations into a social network". Verdict. 2018-10-04. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  2. ^ a b c "Recommendations startup Likewise emerges from Bill Gates' private office, letting friends track and share their favorite things". GeekWire. 2018-10-03. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  3. ^ a b c d "Bill Gates-backed startup Likewise expands to TVs, bringing content picks and lists to living room". GeekWire. 2020-07-29. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  4. ^ a b Fried, Ina (3 October 2018). "Bill Gates' new recommendation engine". Axios. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  5. ^ a b c "Streaming Recommendation App Likewise Now Available on Fire TV, Android TV & Apple TV". Cord Cutters News. 2020-07-20. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  6. ^ Gottsegen, Gordon. "Bill Gates-funded Likewise app gives you recommendations from people you trust". CNET. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  7. ^ a b c Hamilton, Isobel Asher. "Bill Gates is backing an app that helps you keep track of the things your friends like". Business Insider. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  8. ^ "Entertainment Curation Service Explodes As People Seek Distractions". Seattle Business Magazine. 2020-04-06. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  9. ^ July 2020, Jon Lafayette 20 (20 July 2020). "Bill Gates-backed Likewise Puts Apps on Android, Amazon Apple". Broadcasting Cable. Retrieved 2020-12-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ "What should you watch next on TV? Even Bill Gates seeks advice, so startup Likewise steps in to help". GeekWire. 2019-10-31. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
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