Bebo, originally launched in 2005 by Michael and Xochi Birch, rapidly grew into a major social networking site, especially popular in countries like the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand. It was famously acquired by AOL in 2008 for $850 million. Following several changes in ownership, Michael Birch repurchased the Bebo brand in 2013 with the vision to reinvent it. Bebo then explored different avenues, including video messaging (Bebo Blab) and an esports tournament platform. The esports technology and team were acquired by Twitch (an Amazon subsidiary) in 2019. In January 2021, Michael Birch announced a new iteration of Bebo, focusing on a 'new take on social networking' with an emphasis on user profiles and real-time interactions. The platform is currently in a development or invite-only phase, aiming to offer a unique social experience distinct from its past and contemporary competitors.
Core strategic planning, product development, software engineering, and initial community management for the Bebo platform.
As a likely remote-first or small agile team, physical HQ features are not a current focus. Historically, Bebo's offices would have reflected a typical tech startup environment.
Expected to be highly innovative, agile, and founder-driven, with a strong emphasis on user experience and building a new type of online community. Reflects a startup culture focused on rapid iteration and development.
The central hub (even if virtual) for the vision and execution of Bebo's relaunch, driven by its original co-founder.
Historically, Bebo achieved significant global reach, particularly in English-speaking countries. The relaunched Bebo is accessible globally via the internet, with an ambition to build a new international user base. Its operational team is likely distributed, allowing for global talent acquisition and support.
Not publicly disclosed for the current iteration.
Operations likely distributed; historically San Francisco.
Operations likely distributed; historically California.
USA
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As of April 2025, Bebo' leadership includes:
Bebo has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:
Bebo is currently in a relaunch phase, spearheaded by its original co-founder Michael Birch. As a lean, founder-led company in development, there have been no major public announcements regarding new executive hires or departures in the last 12 months beyond the core leadership.
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While Bebo's official corporate email format for its current iteration is not publicly confirmed, technology companies often use common patterns. For inquiries or support related to the new Bebo platform, users would typically use contact forms on the website or dedicated support email addresses like support@bebo.com or hello@bebo.com if provided.
[first].[last]@bebo.com or [first_initial][last]@bebo.com (speculative common formats)
Format
michael.birch@bebo.com (speculative example based on common format)
Example
70%
Success rate
TechCrunch • January 29, 2021
Michael Birch, co-founder of Bebo, announced plans to relaunch the social networking site with a new vision, focusing on profiles and real-time interactions, a decade after selling it and later buying it back....more
TechCrunch • June 20, 2019
Amazon-owned Twitch acquired Bebo Inc., the company behind Bebo's esports tournament software and services, to integrate its technology and team into Twitch's esports initiatives. The deal did not include the Bebo social media brand itself....more
The Guardian • July 1, 2013
Michael Birch, who co-founded Bebo, bought back the social networking site for $1 million from Criterion Capital Partners, with plans to reinvent the platform after its decline under previous ownerships....more
BBC News • March 13, 2008
AOL acquired Bebo for $850 million in cash, a landmark deal at the time for the popular social networking site which had a strong user base, particularly in the United Kingdom and Ireland....more
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