Company Profile: Spokeo
Overview
Spokeo is a private people search company that aggregates comprehensive data from both online and offline sources, serving over 18 million unique monthly visitors. It offers services such as Reverse Phone Lookup, People Search Directory, and Reverse Address Lookup. These features help users uncover contact information, social profiles, and enhance their address books. Spokeo's mobile application further allows users to identify unknown callers and block unwanted calls, reinforcing a commitment to user safety and privacy.
Executive Team
The executive leadership of Spokeo, rated A+ on Comparably, is spearheaded by Co-Founder, CEO, and President Harrison Tang. The team comprises:
- Jason Matthes, Chief Legal Officer, overseeing corporate counsel, paralegals, and compliance staff.
- Mike Daly, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer.
- Benton Lotkowski, who plays a pivotal executive role.
This team is credited with driving innovation, setting strategic goals, and managing cross-departmental growth.
Recent Developments and Legal Activities
Spokeo has faced legal challenges, notably a settlement with the FTC in 2012, where they paid $800,000 due to allegations of improperly marketing consumer information. Ongoing litigation concerning privacy issues around "teaser profiles" indicates their focus on legal compliance and user privacy. Spokeo continues to innovate, exemplified by the development of a data intelligence tool to improve contact accuracy, highlighting their commitment to service enhancement and competitive industry positioning.
Competitor Profile
Overview of Competitor Landscape
Spokeo competes in the online people search and public records services sector against established companies like BeenVerified, PeopleLooker, Intelius, and PeopleFinders. These competitors operate within the technology, information, and internet domains, offering both web-based and mobile applications for public records and people search services.
Detailed Competitor Analysis
1. BeenVerified
- Founded: 2007
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
- Key Personnel: Josh Levy (CEO), Ross Cohen (COO)
- Services: Includes consumer-initiated background checks and reverse phone lookups. Offers a registered sex offender tracking app with augmented reality.
- Business Model: Subscription-based services available via website and mobile apps.
- Achievements: Ranked #26 on the Inc. 5000 list in 2013 with $13.7M in revenue.
- Notable Apps: "Number Guru" for reverse phone lookups, background check app for iOS and Android.
2. PeopleLooker
- Location: New York, New York, USA
- Services: Offers public record searches, background checks, and profile searches on social media.
- Business Model: Subscription-based with transparent pricing, no hidden fees.
- Customer Support: Available daily from 6:00 AM - 11:30 PM EST.
3. Intelius
- Founded: 2003
- Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, USA
- Industry Focus: Information commerce, predictive analytics, background checks, and ID theft protection.
- Ownership: Part of PeopleConnect, Inc.
- Model: On-demand data delivery focused on user decision-making support.
4. PeopleFinders
- Founded: 1986
- Headquarters: Sacramento, California, USA
- Specialties: Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) for public records.
- Unique Offering: Over 40 years of database information for comprehensive searches.
- Tools: Provides the IdentityWatch app to prevent spam calls and account breaches.
5. Whitepages
- Founded: 1997
- Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, USA
- Services: Comprehensive contact info services with people searches and background checks.
- Achievements: Launched Hiya, Inc.; Ekata, Inc. was acquired by MasterCard for $850M.
- Impact: Innovates in big data and identity verification, serving 30 million monthly customers.
Spokeo, part of a competitive landscape, can focus on advanced technology, user-friendly offerings, improved data accuracy, and excellent customer service to differentiate and strengthen its market position.
