WeeWord.com

WeeWorld was a social gaming and virtual world platform founded in Glasgow, Scotland, in March 2000 by Mike Kinsella and John McGuire. Initially conceived from the website Saw-You.com, the company focused on social creativity through its flagship product, the 'WeeMee' avatar. These customizable 2D cartoon avatars allowed users, primarily teens and tweens, to create unique digital identities that could be used across a virtual world, for social networking, playing games, and in forums. The platform's portability was a key feature, enabling users to export their WeeMees to major social networks like Facebook and Twitter, as well as instant messaging services and email signatures.

The company experienced significant early traction, forming strategic partnerships with major digital players like AOL, Microsoft, and Skype. A pivotal moment came in 2003 when Microsoft integrated WeeMees into its Hotmail and MSN chat services, attracting 150,000 new users on the first day alone. The business model centered on a freemium structure within its virtual world. Users could earn 'green points' through engagement or purchase 'gold points' with real money to buy virtual goods like clothing and accessories for their avatars. Revenue was also generated through brand partnerships and in-game advertising, with promotions for major artists like Alicia Keys, Avril Lavigne, and Justin Bieber, who had virtual merchandise on the platform. WeeWorld established a social games advertising network, allowing marketers to run custom campaigns targeting its user base.

Despite creating over 180 million WeeMees and securing $15.5 million in a Series B funding round from investors including Balderton Capital and Accel Partners, the company faced challenges. In September 2014, WeeWorld entered liquidation due to cash flow problems, resulting in significant staff reductions. The company's intellectual property was subsequently sold, first to Metis Partners in 2015 and later to a firm named Opinurate. Under new ownership, the WeeWorld site was officially shut down on May 11, 2017, reportedly because it could no longer be profitably operated.

Keywords: WeeWorld, WeeMee, social gaming, virtual world, avatar creator, social network, online community, character customization, teen gaming, freemium game, digital identity, virtual goods, Glasgow startup, Mike Kinsella, John McGuire, Celia Francis, Balderton Capital, Accel Partners, AOL integration, MSN avatars, Saw-You.com