Ad backed, free-to-the-user ISP NetZero Inc. and Web site directory
operation Looksmart signed a multi-million dollar
deal under which the two companies will create a new, co-branded,
content-rich start page for NetZero subscribers.
Under the partnership, NetZero subscribers will gain access to Looksmart’s
listings of more than 1 million sites in more than 30,000 categories, all
selected, reviewed and categorized by Looksmart’s team Web editors. Financial
specifics were not disclosed.
Looksmart currently provides its directory to more than 200 Internet Service
Providers that reach 4.5 million subscribers. Six-month-old NetZero says it
has more than 900,000 subscribers.
“This is a tremendous value for our subscribers and promises to be the ideal
co-branded site, combining Looksmart’s high quality directory and search
engine with our growing portfolio of services,” said Mark Goldston, CEO and
chairman of NetZero. “Looksmart’s ability to help us build a rich experience
for our customers the moment they log-on adds tremendous value to our
service.”
NetZero’s revenue is generated through advertising and e-commerce
sponsorships. Based in Westlake Village, CA, NetZero is funded by Draper
Fisher Jurvetson, Foundation Capital and Idealab! Capital Partners.