Ning Interactive Inc.

Ning Interactive Inc. operates a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that allows individuals and organizations to build and manage their own custom social networks. Founded in October 2004 by Marc Andreessen and Gina Bianchini, the company publicly launched its platform in October 2005. Andreessen, a co-founder of Netscape and co-author of the Mosaic web browser, served as the company's chairman. The initial concept was to provide a free, open-source platform for developers to create and share social applications.

Over the years, Ning's business model has evolved. Initially offering a free service, the company shifted its strategy in April 2010 to focus exclusively on premium, subscription-based plans, discontinuing the free offering. Revenue is generated primarily through tiered monthly subscriptions that offer varying levels of members, storage, and features. The platform also provides e-commerce tools that enable network creators to monetize their communities through methods like paid access to content, memberships, and donations.

The platform provides a suite of tools for community management, including customizable design templates, blogs, forums, photo and video sharing, event management, and analytics. It integrates with major social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter and supports custom domains. Ning targets a diverse client base, including educational institutions, businesses, non-profits, and special interest groups. After its initial funding from angel investors, Ning raised significant venture capital, including $44 million in 2007 and an additional $75 million across 2008 and 2009. The company has undergone several acquisitions, including by Glam Media (later Mode Media) in 2011 and later by PSCP Holdings Limited, and now operates as NING Interactive, Inc.

Keywords: social network builder, community platform, SaaS, online communities, content monetization, membership management, social media integration, custom websites, e-commerce tools, user-generated content