HootSuite has bought Seesmic for $16 million, as the firm looks to strengthen its social media management platform.
Founded in 2008 by entrepreneur and investorLoïc Le Meur, Seesmic runs Ping, a tool that lets users post multiple social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Facebook Pages, LinkedIn) from its web or mobile app.
Features include scheduling, a way to convert attachments to links, personalized groups, plus bookmarklet and email posting options.
Seesmic’s offering is almost identical to HootSuite’s toolbox which suggests that Seesmic may be shuttered as a product.
As part of their announcement today HootSuite is inviting Seesmic’s business users to try a free 30 day trial of HootSuite Pro (which starts at $9.99/month thereafter).
“We’ve always been big fans of Ryan Holmes and the HootSuite team, since the days we were all pioneering the Social Media landscape.” says Seesmic CEO, Loïc Le Meur. “We’re thrilled today to announce that Seesmic is joining HootSuite, and we’re excited for our users: they are becoming part of the HootSuite family, and they will be able to continue to build their brand and social business.”
“I have always had a lot of respect for Seesmic’s CEO, Loïc Le Meur, and the role Seesmic has played in advancing social business.” says HootSuite CEO Homles. “We are thrilled to welcome Seesmic’s users into the HootSuite family.”
