Jump to content

The Knot Worldwide: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→History: clean up
GreenC bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
2,517,505 edits
 
(38 intermediate revisions by 18 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Company}}
{{advert|date=April 2019}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = XO Group
| name = The Knot Worldwide
| logo = XO_Group_Logo.png
| logo = The_Knot_Worldwide_Logo.jpg
| logo_caption =
| logo_caption =
| image =
| image =
Line 11: Line 11:
| romanized_name =
| romanized_name =
| type =
| type =
| traded_as = XOXO
| industry =
| industry =
| predecessor =
| predecessor = XO Group, WeddingWire, The Knot Inc.
| successor = The Knot Worldwide
| successor =
| foundation = {{start date and age|1996|5}} (as The Knot Inc.)
| foundation = {{start date and age|1996|5}} (as The Knot Inc.)
| founder = David Liu<br />Carley Roney
| founder = David Liu<br />Carley Roney<br/>Tim Chi
| defunct =
| defunct = {{end date|2019|3|24}} (Merged with [[WeddingWire]])
| location_city = [[195 Broadway]]<br>[[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]]
| location_city = 2 Wisconsin Circle, 3rd Floor, Chevy Chase, Maryland
| locations = <!-- Number of locations, stores, offices, etc. -->
| locations = <!-- Number of locations, stores, offices, etc. -->
| area_served =
| area_served =
| key_people = Tim Chi (CEO)<br/>Jenny Lewis (CMO)<br/>Andy Ivanovich (CFO)<br/>Felicity Chaban (CLO)<br/>Angel Llull Mancas (CRO)<br/>Emily Markmann (CHRO)<br/>Zohar Yardeni (CPO)
| key_people =
| products =
| products =
| production =
| production =
| services = Online vendor marketplace<br/>Invitations<br/>Registry services<br/>Personalized wedding websites<br/>Digital content and print magazine<br/>Advertising<br/>eCommerce
| services =
| revenue =
| revenue =
| operating_income =
| operating_income =
Line 31: Line 30:
| assets =
| assets =
| equity =
| equity =
| num_employees =
| num_employees = 2,000+ (2024)
| owner =
| owner =
| divisions =
| divisions =
Line 37: Line 36:
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
| intl =
| intl =
|brands = The Knot<br/>WeddingWire<br/>WeddingPro<br/>Bodas.net<br/>Hitched<br/>The Bump<br/>The Bash<br/>Matrimonio.com<br/>Mariages.net<br/>Casamentos.pt
| former type =
| former type =
| location_country = [[United States|U.S.]]
| location_country = [[United States|U.S.]]
| homepage = {{URL|theknotww.com}}
| homepage = {{URL| https://www.theknotww.com/}}
| bodystyle =
| bodystyle =
}}
}}


'''XO Group''' (formerly '''The Knot Inc.''') was an American media and technology company that provided content, tools, products and services for couples who were planning [[wedding]]s, creating a home, and starting a family. The company generated revenue through [[online advertising]], [[merchandising]], registry services, and publishing. In 2019, the company merged with [[WeddingWire]] to become The Knot Worldwide under ownership of WeddingWire's investors. Its divisions remained intact, but the XO Group name has been retired.
'''The Knot Worldwide''', formerly '''XO Group''', '''The Knot Inc''', and '''WeddingWire, Inc,''' is a global technology company that provides content, tools, products and services for couples who are planning [[wedding]]s, organizing a celebration, and navigating pregnancy and parenting. In 2019, The Knot Worldwide was created by a merger between predecessors XO Group Inc. (formerly The Knot Inc.) and WeddingWire, Inc.

The company operates in 16 countries and includes the following brands: The Knot, WeddingWire, Bodas.net, Hitched, The Bump, The Bash, WeddingPro, Matrimonio.com and others. As of August 2023, The Knot Worldwide has a user base of 35 million monthly visitors and its global wedding vendor marketplace connects approximately 4 million engaged couples annually with 850,000 vendors.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://qz.com/insider-q-a-how-wedding-planners-are-adjusting-for-gen-1851148169|author=Dee-ann Durbin|date=January 8, 2024|title=Insider Q&A: How wedding planners are adjusting for Gen Z nuptials|work=Quartz}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.uctoday.com/collaboration/global-wedding-business-says-i-do-to-google-duet-ai/|date=August 29, 2023|title=Global Wedding Business Says 'I Do' to Google Duet AI|work=UC Today}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
David Liu, his wife Carley Roney and their business partners, Rob Fassino, and Michael Wolfson founded The Knot Inc. in 1996.<ref name="Time2007">{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1684576,00.html |title=Carley Roney and David Liu - Photo Essays |publisher=TIME |date= 2007-11-15|accessdate=2010-03-25}}</ref> They found that the internet could facilitate and reduce anxiety in the process of wedding planning between couples.<ref name="Time2007"/> The startup received [[Seed funding|seed financing]] from [[AOL]], the partners launched The Knot brand as a portal on AOL.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.successmagazine.com/corner-office-david-liu-and-carley-roney-tie-the-knot/PARAMS/article/929 |title=Corner Office: David Liu and Carley Roney Tie the Knot &#124; SUCCESS Magazine &#124; What Achievers Read |publisher=SUCCESS Magazine |date= |accessdate=2010-03-25}}</ref> In 1997, TheKnot.com launched on the internet.<ref>{{cite news|last=Roney |first=Carley |url=http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1684491,00.html |title=Something Old, Something New |publisher=TIME |date=2007-11-15 |accessdate=2010-03-25}}</ref>
David Liu, his wife Carley Roney and their business partners, Rob Fassino, and Michael Wolfson founded The Knot Inc. in 1996.<ref name="Time2007">{{cite news|url=https://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1684576,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117103048/http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1684576,00.html |url-status=live |archive-date=November 17, 2007 |title=Carley Roney and David Liu - Photo Essays |publisher=TIME |date= 2007-11-15|access-date=2010-03-25}}</ref> They found that the internet could facilitate and reduce anxiety in the process of wedding planning between couples.<ref name="Time2007"/> The startup received [[Seed funding|seed financing]] from [[AOL]], the partners launched The Knot brand as a portal on AOL.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.successmagazine.com/corner-office-david-liu-and-carley-roney-tie-the-knot/PARAMS/article/929 |title=Corner Office: David Liu and Carley Roney Tie the Knot &#124; SUCCESS Magazine &#124; What Achievers Read |publisher=SUCCESS Magazine |access-date=2010-03-25}}</ref> In 1997, TheKnot.com launched on the internet.<ref>{{cite news|last=Roney |first=Carley |url=http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1684491,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071118155658/http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1684491,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 18, 2007 |title=Something Old, Something New |publisher=TIME |date=2007-11-15 |access-date=2010-03-25}}</ref>


The company launched an online [[gift registry]] in partnership with [[QVC]] and published its first book, The Knot Complete Guide to Weddings in the Real World.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_15/b3928150_mz027.htm |title=The Knot: Here Come The Brides |publisher=Businessweek.com |date=2005-04-11 |accessdate=2010-03-25 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104120247/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_15/b3928150_mz027.htm |archivedate=January 4, 2010 }}</ref> In December 1999, the company raised $35 million in an [[initial public offering]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Hass |first=Nancy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/05/style/a-night-out-with-carley-roney-at-the-com-wedding.html?pagewanted=1 |title=A NIGHT OUT WITH - Carley Roney - At the .com Wedding |publisher=NYTimes.com |date=1999-12-05 |accessdate=2010-03-25}}</ref>
The company launched an online [[gift registry]] in partnership with [[QVC]] and published its first book, The Knot Complete Guide to Weddings in the Real World.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_15/b3928150_mz027.htm |title=The Knot: Here Come The Brides |publisher=Businessweek.com |date=2005-04-11 |access-date=2010-03-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104120247/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_15/b3928150_mz027.htm |archive-date=January 4, 2010 }}</ref> In December 1999, the company raised $35 million in an [[initial public offering]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Hass |first=Nancy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/05/style/a-night-out-with-carley-roney-at-the-com-wedding.html?pagewanted=1 |title=A NIGHT OUT WITH - Carley Roney - At the .com Wedding |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=1999-12-05 |access-date=2010-03-25}}</ref>


On December 2, 2000, the company launched its own bridal [[magazine]] and went public. The Knot Weddings Magazine is published four times a year and is sold on [[newsstands]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history/Th-Ul/The-Knot-Inc.html|title=The Knot, Inc. Company Profile, Information, Business Description, History, Background Information on The Knot, Inc.|website=www.referenceforbusiness.com|language=en|access-date=2018-01-26}}</ref>
On December 2, 2000, the company launched its own bridal [[magazine]] and went public. The Knot Weddings Magazine is published four times a year and is sold on [[newsstands]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history/Th-Ul/The-Knot-Inc.html|title=The Knot, Inc. Company Profile, Information, Business Description, History, Background Information on The Knot, Inc.|website=www.referenceforbusiness.com|language=en|access-date=2018-01-26}}</ref>


⚫
In 2004, the company launched a [[television series]], Real Weddings from The Knot, on the [[Oxygen Network]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/14/technology/14ecom.html?scp=1&sq=David%20Liu,%20The%20Knot&st=cse | work=The New York Times | title=Web Sites Try Offering TV Shows | first=Bob | last=Tedeschi | date=2005-03-14}}</ref>
In 2001, The Knot Inc. acquired WeddingPages, Inc., a publisher of regional bridal magazines, to expand its magazine offerings to local markets. Today, The Knot publishes regional magazines in 17 markets in the US. Online, the company hosts wedding vendor listings in its online directories.


While The Knot was growing, Tim Chi founded WeddingWire in 2005 to create a technology-based marketplace for weddings. Alongside his co-founders, Chi started the business in his living room in Chevy Chase, MD.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.inc.com/ali-donaldson/how-a-summer-of-wedding-hell-launched-weddingwire.html|author=Ali Donaldson|date=November 27, 2023|title=How a Summer of Wedding Hell Launched WeddingWire|work=Inc}}</ref>
⚫
In 2004, the company launched a [[television series]], Real Weddings from The Knot, on the [[Oxygen Network]],<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/14/technology/14ecom.html?scp=1&sq=David%20Liu,%20The%20Knot&st=cse | work=The New York Times | title=Web Sites Try Offering TV Shows | first=Bob | last=Tedeschi | date=2005-03-14}}</ref> and in 2005 it launched a streaming online video channel, The Knot TV, that runs on TheKnot.com. In 2009, the company launched a [[Wedding planner|wedding planning]] show, called The Knot LIVE, which streams in real time to TheKnot.com from its New York City headquarters once a week.


The Nest brand launched in 2005 with a [[website]] aimed at newly married or cohabiting couples creating their new home. A magazine followed in 2006.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1809858_1809956_1811550,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619210020/http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1809858_1809956_1811550,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 19, 2008 |title=The Nest - 50 Best Websites 2008 |publisher=TIME |date= 2008-06-17|access-date=2010-03-25}}</ref>
In April 2005, the company became listed on the [[NASDAQ]] Stock Market with the ticker symbol "KNOT."


⚫
In 2006, the company acquired WeddingChannel.com which included its registry platform and helped to consolidate the bridal media industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_39/b4002134.htm |title=The Knot And WeddingChannel: Just Married |publisher=Businessweek.com |access-date=2010-03-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410051716/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_39/b4002134.htm |archive-date=April 10, 2010 }}</ref>
The Nest brand launched in 2005 with a [[website]], and a magazine followed in 2006.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1809858_1809956_1811550,00.html |title=The Nest - 50 Best Websites 2008 |publisher=TIME |date= 2008-06-17|accessdate=2010-03-25}}</ref> The brand serves cohabitating couples and newlyweds with lifestyle content about home decor, finance, cooking, entertaining and relationships. The brand also has two books in print, The Nest Newlywed Handbook and The Nest Home Decor Handbook.


⚫
In 2008, the company launched TheBump.com to serve expectant and new parents.<ref name="forums.thebump.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.thebump.com/about-us|title=About us|publisher=The Bump |access-date=2015-01-14 }}</ref>
In 2005, The Knot created a CD of [[wedding music]] called "The Knot Collection of Ceremony & Wedding Music." The Company also partnered with [[American Express]] to offer a co-branded rewards card for The Knot and The Nest.


WeddingWire raised a $5.5 million Series A investment from [[Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia]] in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/10-k-watch-martha-stewart-5-million-for-weddingwire-stake-118-million-online-ad-revs/|author=Joseph Weisenthal|date=March 17, 2008|title=10-K Watch: Martha Stewart: $5 Million For WeddingWire Stake; $11.8 Million Online Ad Revs|work=CBS}}</ref>
⚫
In 2006, the company acquired WeddingChannel.com which included its registry platform and helped to consolidate the bridal media industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_39/b4002134.htm |title=The Knot And WeddingChannel: Just Married |publisher=Businessweek.com |accessdate=2010-03-25 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410051716/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_39/b4002134.htm |archivedate=April 10, 2010 }}</ref>


⚫
In June 2011, the company transferred its common stock listing to the [[New York Stock Exchange]] (NYSE) with the symbol "XOXO".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xogroupinc.com/press-releases-home/2011-press-releases/2011-06-28-the-knot-inc-highlights-expanded-footprint-with-launch-of-xo-group-inc.aspx |title=The Knot Inc. Highlights Expanded Footprint with New Corporate Name, XO Group Inc. |date=June 28, 2011 |publisher=XO Group Inc. |access-date=July 21, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130110214/http://www.xogroupinc.com/press-releases-home/2011-press-releases/2011-06-28-the-knot-inc-highlights-expanded-footprint-with-launch-of-xo-group-inc.aspx |archive-date=January 30, 2013 }}</ref>
⚫
In 2008, the company launched TheBump.com to serve expectant and new parents.<ref name="forums.thebump.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.thebump.com/about-us|title=About us|publisher=The Bump |accessdate=2015-01-14 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Bump Pregnancy Guides feature [[pregnancy]]-related content and local pregnancy and baby resources in a pocket-sized magazine distributed through [[OBGYN]] offices across the country.


In September 2012, WeddingWire raised an additional $25 million in Series B funding from Spectrum Equity.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-DLB-39982|author=David Benoit|date=September 25, 2012|title=WeddingWire Gets $25 Million Investment From Spectrum Equity|work=Wall Street Journal}}</ref>
The Knot celebrated its 20-millionth member milestone in June 2010. <ref> Folio Mag. Johnson-Greene, Chandra [http://www.foliomag.com/2010/knot-weddingchannel-com-reach-20-million-mark/ "The Knot, WeddingChannel.com Reach the 20 Million Mark"] [[Folio (magazine) | Folio Mag]]" 22 June 2010. Retrieved 19 November 2015. </ref>

⚫
In June 2011, the company transferred its common stock listing to the [[New York Stock Exchange]] (NYSE) with the symbol "XOXO".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xogroupinc.com/press-releases-home/2011-press-releases/2011-06-28-the-knot-inc-highlights-expanded-footprint-with-launch-of-xo-group-inc.aspx |title=The Knot Inc. Highlights Expanded Footprint with New Corporate Name, XO Group Inc. |date=June 28, 2011 |publisher=XO Group Inc. |accessdate=July 21, 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130110214/http://www.xogroupinc.com/press-releases-home/2011-press-releases/2011-06-28-the-knot-inc-highlights-expanded-footprint-with-launch-of-xo-group-inc.aspx |archivedate=January 30, 2013 }}</ref>


Mike Steib joined XO Group as president in July 2013 and assumed the role of CEO in March 2014.<ref>Internet Retailer, Rueter, Thad. [https://www.internetretailer.com/2013/07/01/e-retailer-xo-group-hires-president E-retailer XO Group hires a president from the U.S. arm of Vente-Privee], "Internet Retailer", 1 July 2013. Retrieved on 12 November 2015</ref>
Mike Steib joined XO Group as president in July 2013 and assumed the role of CEO in March 2014.<ref>Internet Retailer, Rueter, Thad. [https://www.internetretailer.com/2013/07/01/e-retailer-xo-group-hires-president E-retailer XO Group hires a president from the U.S. arm of Vente-Privee], "Internet Retailer", 1 July 2013. Retrieved on 12 November 2015</ref>


In October 2015, XO Group announced the acquisition of [[GigMasters]], an online marketplace for event vendors, and a partnership with Jetaport, the discounted hotel room block booking service. <ref> Geomarketing.com. Chamberlain, Lauryn. [http://www.geomarketing.com/xo-group-expands-wedding-marketplace-acquiring-gigmasters "XO Group Expands Wedding Marketplace, Acquiring GigMasters"] "[[Geomarketing.com]]" 6 October 2015. Retrieved on 30 November 2015. </ref>
In October 2015, XO Group announced the acquisition of [[GigMasters]], an online marketplace for event vendors, and a partnership with Jetaport, the discounted hotel room block booking service.<ref> Geomarketing.com. Chamberlain, Lauryn. [http://www.geomarketing.com/xo-group-expands-wedding-marketplace-acquiring-gigmasters "XO Group Expands Wedding Marketplace, Acquiring GigMasters"] "[[Geomarketing.com]]" 6 October 2015. Retrieved on 30 November 2015. </ref> In the same year, WeddingWire completed the acquisition of Bodas.net, an online directory of Spain-based wedding vendors. Through the merger, WeddingWire expanded to 12 countries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://theluxonomist.es/actualidad/economia/weddingwire-announces-acquisition-of-wedding-planner|date=February 27, 2015|title=WeddingWire Announces Acquisition of Wedding Planner|work=The Luxonomist}}</ref>

⚫
In September 2018, XO Group announced that it would merge with competing wedding planning firm [[WeddingWire]] and become a privately held company under the control of WeddingWire investors [[Permira Funds]] and Spectrum Equity.<ref> Nypost.com. Reuters. [https://nypost.com/2018/09/25/weddingwire-takes-xo-group-private-in-933m-deal "WeddingWire to merge with XO Group in $933M deal"] "[[nypost.com]]" 25 September 2018. Retrieved on 9 April 2019. </ref> The merger became official in March 2019 and the new parent company was renamed to The Knot Worldwide. <ref> businesswire.com. [https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190314005260/en/Knot-WeddingWire-Announce-New-Combined-Company%E2%80%94The-Knot "The Knot and WeddingWire Announce New Combined Company—The Knot Worldwide—the Global Leader in the Wedding Industry"] "[[businesswire.com]]" 14 March 2019. Retrieved on 9 April 2019. </ref>

In February 2020, The Knot Worldwide announced it acquired Hitched, a U.K.-based wedding brand.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.weddingtradermag.com/knot-worldwide-acquires-hitched/|date=February 4, 2020|title=BREAKING NEWS: THE KNOT WORLDWIDE ACQUIRES HITCHED AND YOU & YOUR WEDDING|work=Wedding Trader}}</ref> In response to COVID-19, the company launched a $10 million assistance program for wedding vendors in need of support and introduced a campaign called ''Love is Essential'' covering the cost of dream marriage proposals for essential workers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/the-knot-giveaway-dream-proposals-to-essential-workers|author=Stacey Leasca|date=February 19, 2021|title=The Knot Wants to Help 21 Deserving Essential Workers Plan and Pay for Their Dream Proposal|work=Travel and Leisure}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://adage.com/article/cmo-interviews/how-knot-worldwide-counseled-wedding-industry-through-pandemic/2324766|author=Drew Neisser|date=March 30, 2021|title=HOW THE KNOT WORLDWIDE COUNSELED THE WEDDING INDUSTRY THROUGH PANDEMIC|work=AdAge}}</ref>

In 2020, The Knot Worldwide launched The Knot Registry Store.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/the-knot-launches-wedding-registry|author=Ann Schmidt|date=August 5, 2020|title=The Knot launches new wedding registry in competition with Zola|work=Fox Business}}</ref> The company also launched The Knot Invitations and later partnered with [[Vera Wang]], [[JoJo Fletcher]], [[Jordan Rodgers]], and [[Jenna Dewan]] to introduce limited-edition collections.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/vera-wang-says-brides-like-sexy-gowns-because-theyre-comfortable-2022-5|author=Samantha Grindell |date=May 23, 2022|title=Vera Wang thinks brides are drawn to 'sexier' wedding gowns because they're often more comfortable than traditional dresses|work=Business Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/tv/jordan-rodgers-jokes-wedding-to-jojo-fletcher-snuck-up-on-us-after-2-postponements/|author=Dana Rose Faclone|date=April 28, 2022|title=Jordan Rodgers Jokes His Wedding to JoJo Fletcher 'Snuck Up on Us' After 2 Postponements|work=People}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/style/jenna-dewan-wedding-planning-steve-kazee-details/|author1=Nicholas Rice|author2=Benjamin VanHoose|date=September 28, 2021|title=Jenna Dewan Says She's Still 'Figuring Out the Ins and Outs' of Her Upcoming Wedding to Steve Kazee|work=People}}</ref>

The Knot Worldwide launched Fellowship for Change in 2021, an annual program to support underserved wedding professionals in their first five years of business through education, mentorship and funding in the form of free advertising.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://wwd.com/business-news/business-features/the-knot-worldwide-fellowship-for-change-1234709351/|author=Rosemary Feitelberg|date=January 25, 2021|title=The Knot Worldwide Aims to Support Underrepresented Businesses|work=WWD}}</ref>

The Bump and the [[National Medical Association]] partnered in 2021 to launch The Black Maternal Health Hub, designed to reduce Black maternal mortality rates.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://cheddar.com/media/the-bumps-black-maternal-health-hub-works-to-reduce-black-maternal-mortality|date=December 16, 2021|title=The Bump's 'Black Maternal Health' Hub Works to Reduce Black Maternal Mortality|work=Cheddar}}</ref>


The Knot rebranded in 2023 and launched its biggest integrated marketing campaign, which aims to reach [[Generation Z|Gen Z]] couples and highlight vendors on its marketplace.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.campaignlive.com/article/knot-launches-refreshed-look-brand-platform-gen-z-couples/1831899|author=Sabrina Sanchez|date=July 31, 2023|title=The Knot launches refreshed look and brand platform for Gen Z couples|work=Campaign}}</ref>
⚫
In September 2018, XO Group announced that it would merge with competing wedding planning firm [[WeddingWire]] and become a privately held company under the control of WeddingWire investors [[Permira Funds]] and [[Spectrum Equity]]. <ref> Nypost.com. Reuters. [https://nypost.com/2018/09/25/weddingwire-takes-xo-group-private-in-933m-deal "WeddingWire to merge with XO Group in $933M deal"] "[[nypost.com]]" 25 September 2018. Retrieved on 9 April 2019. </ref> The merger became official in March 2019 and the new parent company was renamed to The Knot Worldwide. <ref> businesswire.com. [https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190314005260/en/Knot-WeddingWire-Announce-New-Combined-Company%E2%80%94The-Knot "The Knot and WeddingWire Announce New Combined Company—The Knot Worldwide—the Global Leader in the Wedding Industry"] "[[businesswire.com]]" 14 March 2019. Retrieved on 9 April 2019. </ref>


In 2023, The Knot Worldwide acquired Zankyou Ventures, a Spanish-based global wedding company, and Weven, a CRM/ERP [[Software as a service|SaaS]] wedding planning platform.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/knot-worldwide-strengthens-global-wedding-150800497.html|date=March 15, 2023|title=The Knot Worldwide Strengthens Global Wedding Vendor Marketplace Business With New Senior Leadership and Key Investments|work=Yahoo Finance}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.finsmes.com/2023/02/the-knot-worldwide-acquires-zankyou.html|date=February 3, 2023|title=The Knot Worldwide Acquires Zankyou|work=Finsmes}}</ref>
==Products and services==
The Knot Worldwide publishes wedding planning, nesting, and baby related content on multiple [[media platform]]s.


==References==
==References==
Line 86: Line 95:


{{DEFAULTSORT:XO Group}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:XO Group}}
[[Category:Media companies established in 1996]]
[[Category:Mass media companies established in 1996]]
[[Category:Companies formerly listed on the New York Stock Exchange]]
[[Category:Companies formerly listed on the New York Stock Exchange]]
[[Category:Media companies based in New York City]]
[[Category:Mass media companies based in New York City]]
[[Category:1996 establishments in New York (state)]]
[[Category:1996 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:1999 initial public offerings]]
[[Category:1999 initial public offerings]]
[[Category:2019 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:2019 mergers and acquisitions]]

Latest revision as of 11:21, 17 November 2024

The Knot Worldwide
PredecessorXO Group, WeddingWire, The Knot Inc.
FoundedMay 1996; 28 years ago (1996-05) (as The Knot Inc.)
FounderDavid Liu
Carley Roney
Tim Chi
Headquarters
2 Wisconsin Circle, 3rd Floor, Chevy Chase, Maryland
,
U.S.
Key people
Tim Chi (CEO)
Jenny Lewis (CMO)
Andy Ivanovich (CFO)
Felicity Chaban (CLO)
Angel Llull Mancas (CRO)
Emily Markmann (CHRO)
Zohar Yardeni (CPO)
BrandsThe Knot
WeddingWire
WeddingPro
Bodas.net
Hitched
The Bump
The Bash
Matrimonio.com
Mariages.net
Casamentos.pt
ServicesOnline vendor marketplace
Invitations
Registry services
Personalized wedding websites
Digital content and print magazine
Advertising
eCommerce
Number of employees
2,000+ (2024)
Websitewww.theknotww.com

The Knot Worldwide, formerly XO Group, The Knot Inc, and WeddingWire, Inc, is a global technology company that provides content, tools, products and services for couples who are planning weddings, organizing a celebration, and navigating pregnancy and parenting. In 2019, The Knot Worldwide was created by a merger between predecessors XO Group Inc. (formerly The Knot Inc.) and WeddingWire, Inc.

The company operates in 16 countries and includes the following brands: The Knot, WeddingWire, Bodas.net, Hitched, The Bump, The Bash, WeddingPro, Matrimonio.com and others. As of August 2023, The Knot Worldwide has a user base of 35 million monthly visitors and its global wedding vendor marketplace connects approximately 4 million engaged couples annually with 850,000 vendors.[1][2]

History

[edit]

David Liu, his wife Carley Roney and their business partners, Rob Fassino, and Michael Wolfson founded The Knot Inc. in 1996.[3] They found that the internet could facilitate and reduce anxiety in the process of wedding planning between couples.[3] The startup received seed financing from AOL, the partners launched The Knot brand as a portal on AOL.[4] In 1997, TheKnot.com launched on the internet.[5]

The company launched an online gift registry in partnership with QVC and published its first book, The Knot Complete Guide to Weddings in the Real World.[6] In December 1999, the company raised $35 million in an initial public offering.[7]

On December 2, 2000, the company launched its own bridal magazine and went public. The Knot Weddings Magazine is published four times a year and is sold on newsstands.[8]

In 2004, the company launched a television series, Real Weddings from The Knot, on the Oxygen Network.[9]

While The Knot was growing, Tim Chi founded WeddingWire in 2005 to create a technology-based marketplace for weddings. Alongside his co-founders, Chi started the business in his living room in Chevy Chase, MD.[10]

The Nest brand launched in 2005 with a website aimed at newly married or cohabiting couples creating their new home. A magazine followed in 2006.[11]

In 2006, the company acquired WeddingChannel.com which included its registry platform and helped to consolidate the bridal media industry.[12]

In 2008, the company launched TheBump.com to serve expectant and new parents.[13]

WeddingWire raised a $5.5 million Series A investment from Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in 2008.[14]

In June 2011, the company transferred its common stock listing to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) with the symbol "XOXO".[15]

In September 2012, WeddingWire raised an additional $25 million in Series B funding from Spectrum Equity.[16]

Mike Steib joined XO Group as president in July 2013 and assumed the role of CEO in March 2014.[17]

In October 2015, XO Group announced the acquisition of GigMasters, an online marketplace for event vendors, and a partnership with Jetaport, the discounted hotel room block booking service.[18] In the same year, WeddingWire completed the acquisition of Bodas.net, an online directory of Spain-based wedding vendors. Through the merger, WeddingWire expanded to 12 countries.[19]

In September 2018, XO Group announced that it would merge with competing wedding planning firm WeddingWire and become a privately held company under the control of WeddingWire investors Permira Funds and Spectrum Equity.[20] The merger became official in March 2019 and the new parent company was renamed to The Knot Worldwide. [21]

In February 2020, The Knot Worldwide announced it acquired Hitched, a U.K.-based wedding brand.[22] In response to COVID-19, the company launched a $10 million assistance program for wedding vendors in need of support and introduced a campaign called Love is Essential covering the cost of dream marriage proposals for essential workers.[23][24]

In 2020, The Knot Worldwide launched The Knot Registry Store.[25] The company also launched The Knot Invitations and later partnered with Vera Wang, JoJo Fletcher, Jordan Rodgers, and Jenna Dewan to introduce limited-edition collections.[26][27][28]

The Knot Worldwide launched Fellowship for Change in 2021, an annual program to support underserved wedding professionals in their first five years of business through education, mentorship and funding in the form of free advertising.[29]

The Bump and the National Medical Association partnered in 2021 to launch The Black Maternal Health Hub, designed to reduce Black maternal mortality rates.[30]

The Knot rebranded in 2023 and launched its biggest integrated marketing campaign, which aims to reach Gen Z couples and highlight vendors on its marketplace.[31]

In 2023, The Knot Worldwide acquired Zankyou Ventures, a Spanish-based global wedding company, and Weven, a CRM/ERP SaaS wedding planning platform.[32][33]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Dee-ann Durbin (January 8, 2024). "Insider Q&A: How wedding planners are adjusting for Gen Z nuptials". Quartz.
  2. ^ "Global Wedding Business Says 'I Do' to Google Duet AI". UC Today. August 29, 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Carley Roney and David Liu - Photo Essays". TIME. 2007-11-15. Archived from the original on November 17, 2007. Retrieved 2010-03-25.
  4. ^ "Corner Office: David Liu and Carley Roney Tie the Knot | SUCCESS Magazine | What Achievers Read". SUCCESS Magazine. Retrieved 2010-03-25.
  5. ^ Roney, Carley (2007-11-15). "Something Old, Something New". TIME. Archived from the original on November 18, 2007. Retrieved 2010-03-25.
  6. ^ "The Knot: Here Come The Brides". Businessweek.com. 2005-04-11. Archived from the original on January 4, 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-25.
  7. ^ Hass, Nancy (1999-12-05). "A NIGHT OUT WITH - Carley Roney - At the .com Wedding". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-03-25.
  8. ^ "The Knot, Inc. Company Profile, Information, Business Description, History, Background Information on The Knot, Inc". www.referenceforbusiness.com. Retrieved 2018-01-26.
  9. ^ Tedeschi, Bob (2005-03-14). "Web Sites Try Offering TV Shows". The New York Times.
  10. ^ Ali Donaldson (November 27, 2023). "How a Summer of Wedding Hell Launched WeddingWire". Inc.
  11. ^ "The Nest - 50 Best Websites 2008". TIME. 2008-06-17. Archived from the original on June 19, 2008. Retrieved 2010-03-25.
  12. ^ "The Knot And WeddingChannel: Just Married". Businessweek.com. Archived from the original on April 10, 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-25.
  13. ^ "About us". The Bump. Retrieved 2015-01-14.
  14. ^ Joseph Weisenthal (March 17, 2008). "10-K Watch: Martha Stewart: $5 Million For WeddingWire Stake; $11.8 Million Online Ad Revs". CBS.
  15. ^ "The Knot Inc. Highlights Expanded Footprint with New Corporate Name, XO Group Inc". XO Group Inc. June 28, 2011. Archived from the original on January 30, 2013. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
  16. ^ David Benoit (September 25, 2012). "WeddingWire Gets $25 Million Investment From Spectrum Equity". Wall Street Journal.
  17. ^ Internet Retailer, Rueter, Thad. E-retailer XO Group hires a president from the U.S. arm of Vente-Privee, "Internet Retailer", 1 July 2013. Retrieved on 12 November 2015
  18. ^ Geomarketing.com. Chamberlain, Lauryn. "XO Group Expands Wedding Marketplace, Acquiring GigMasters" "Geomarketing.com" 6 October 2015. Retrieved on 30 November 2015.
  19. ^ "WeddingWire Announces Acquisition of Wedding Planner". The Luxonomist. February 27, 2015.
  20. ^ Nypost.com. Reuters. "WeddingWire to merge with XO Group in $933M deal" "nypost.com" 25 September 2018. Retrieved on 9 April 2019.
  21. ^ businesswire.com. "The Knot and WeddingWire Announce New Combined Company—The Knot Worldwide—the Global Leader in the Wedding Industry" "businesswire.com" 14 March 2019. Retrieved on 9 April 2019.
  22. ^ "BREAKING NEWS: THE KNOT WORLDWIDE ACQUIRES HITCHED AND YOU & YOUR WEDDING". Wedding Trader. February 4, 2020.
  23. ^ Stacey Leasca (February 19, 2021). "The Knot Wants to Help 21 Deserving Essential Workers Plan and Pay for Their Dream Proposal". Travel and Leisure.
  24. ^ Drew Neisser (March 30, 2021). "HOW THE KNOT WORLDWIDE COUNSELED THE WEDDING INDUSTRY THROUGH PANDEMIC". AdAge.
  25. ^ Ann Schmidt (August 5, 2020). "The Knot launches new wedding registry in competition with Zola". Fox Business.
  26. ^ Samantha Grindell (May 23, 2022). "Vera Wang thinks brides are drawn to 'sexier' wedding gowns because they're often more comfortable than traditional dresses". Business Insider.
  27. ^ Dana Rose Faclone (April 28, 2022). "Jordan Rodgers Jokes His Wedding to JoJo Fletcher 'Snuck Up on Us' After 2 Postponements". People.
  28. ^ Nicholas Rice; Benjamin VanHoose (September 28, 2021). "Jenna Dewan Says She's Still 'Figuring Out the Ins and Outs' of Her Upcoming Wedding to Steve Kazee". People.
  29. ^ Rosemary Feitelberg (January 25, 2021). "The Knot Worldwide Aims to Support Underrepresented Businesses". WWD.
  30. ^ "The Bump's 'Black Maternal Health' Hub Works to Reduce Black Maternal Mortality". Cheddar. December 16, 2021.
  31. ^ Sabrina Sanchez (July 31, 2023). "The Knot launches refreshed look and brand platform for Gen Z couples". Campaign.
  32. ^ "The Knot Worldwide Strengthens Global Wedding Vendor Marketplace Business With New Senior Leadership and Key Investments". Yahoo Finance. March 15, 2023.
  33. ^ "The Knot Worldwide Acquires Zankyou". Finsmes. February 3, 2023.
[edit]

Official website

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Knot_Worldwide&oldid=1257956544"