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{{Short description|Swiss social network}}
{{COI|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox dot-com company {{Infobox website
| name = ASmallWorld AG
| company_name = ASMALLWORLD
| logo = ASW_Logo_full_colour.png
⚫ | company_type = ]
| screenshot = ASW_Winter_Weekend_Gstaad.jpg
| foundation = ], ]<br />(2004)
⚫ | company_type = ]
| locations = ], ]<br />(June 2013)<br />], ]<br />(June 2013)
⚫ | founder = ]<BR />]
| area_served = Worldwide
| chairman = Michael Manz
⚫ | founder = ]<br />]
| CEO = Jan Luescher
| chairman = ]<br />(June 2013)
⚫ | industry = ]
| CEO = ]<br />(June 2013)
| revenue = CHF 15.6 million (2021)
| key_people = ] (Founder, 2004)<br />] (Funder, 2006)<br />] (Buyer, 2009)
| equity = CHF 11 million shares
| industry = ]
| subsidiaries = ASmallWorld Travel <br /> ASmallWorld Hospitality <br /> ASmallWorld Hotels & Resorts <br /> First Class & More <br /> The World's Finest Clubs
| revenue = Unknown (June 2013)
| url = {{URL|www.asmallworld.com/}}
| operating_income = Unknown (June 2013)
⚫ | launch_date = {{start date and age|2004|03}}
| net_income = Unknown (June 2013)
| country_of_origin = Switzerland
| assets = Unknown (June 2013)
| owner = Patrick Liotard-Vogt (64%)<BR />Alexander König (9%)<BR />Hansainvest (7%)<BR />Global Hotel Alliance (3%)
| equity = Unknown (June 2013)
| owner = ]<br />(2009)
| num_employees = Unknown (June 2013)
| url =
| alexa = {{DecreasePositive}} 37,874 ({{as of|2014|4|1|alt=April 2014}})<ref name="alexa">{{cite web|url= http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/asmallworld.com |title= Asmallworld.com Site Info | publisher= ] |accessdate= 2014-04-01 }}</ref><!--Updated monthly by OKBot.-->
⚫ | website_type = ]
| registration = Required<br />(since March 2004)<br />With costs<br />(since May 2013)<br />Invitation-only<br />(since March 2004)
| num_users = Unknown, less than 250,000 (April 2014)
| language = English (])<br />English (])
⚫ | launch_date = March 2004
| current_status = Active
}} }}
'''ASmallWorld''' (stylized as '''ASMALLWORLD''', or '''ASW''') is a media company and a ] based in ], ] focused on travelers.
'''ASMALLWORLD''' (ASW) is an exclusive, paid-subscription ], which relaunched in the spring of 2013 as a private international travel and social club, with a peer-recommended and verified user base capped membership at 250,000 members.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1165679/asmallworld-to-relaunch | title=ASMALLWORLD To Relaunch | publisher=] | date=14 May 2013 | accessdate=1 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.vogue.in/content/asmallworld-celebrates-rahul-mishra | title=ASMALLWORLD's fashion week party for Rahul Mishra | publisher=] | date=1 April 2014 | accessdate=8 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/the-lady-making-a-small-world-smaller | title=The lady making A Small World smaller | publisher=] | date=20 June 2013 | accessdate=8 April 2014 | author=Selina Denman}}</ref> Described as "] for millionaires" and "The secret social network for the elite", the site was founded in 2004 by ] and was one of the first social networks at that time.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/myspace-for-millionaires--the-secret-social-network-for-the-elite-100113281.html#WQ1STOl | title=Myspace for millionaires: The secret social network for the elite | publisher=] | accessdate=8 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.forbes.com/2008/05/02/social-networks-vip-tech-personal-cx_nr_0502style.html | title=Five Social Networking Sites Of The Wealthy | publisher=] | accessdate=8 April 2014 | first=Nicola | last=Ruiz}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB119637905445308659 | title=MySpace for Millionaires | publisher=] | accessdate=8 April 2014}}</ref>


To join, one must receive an invitation from an existing member, or an invitation from from the governing board after filing an application to be considered for membership.<ref name="Denman, Selina">{{cite web | url=http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/the-lady-making-a-small-world-smaller#page1 | title=The lady making A Small World smaller | publisher=] | date=20 June 2013 | accessdate=1 May 2014 | author=Denman, Selina}}</ref><ref name="Apply for Membership">{{cite web | url=https://www.asmallworld.com/apply | title=Apply for Membership | publisher=Asmallworld | accessdate=1 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="asmallworld.com">https://www.asmallworld.com/apply</ref> The social network has a membership ]; offering three different tiers: the basic ASmallWorld, Prestige and Signature.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://global-citizen.com/big-fish-small-world/ | title=A Big Fish in a Small World | work=Global Citizen | date=July 5, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/the-lady-making-a-small-world-smaller-1.445204 | title=The lady making A Small World smaller | last=Denman | first=Selina | work=] | date=June 20, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.asmallworld.com/apply | title=Apply for Membership | publisher=Asmallworld}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.asmallworld.com/member_applications/new | title=ASMALLWORLD – Travel, Lifestyle & Community | publisher=Asmallworld}}</ref>


⚫ Annually, in mid-December, over 200 members attend the Winter Weekend at the ] in ], ], where members can join in ], ]s, dinners, and ] receptions.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cnbc.com/video/2013/06/04/perks-of-living-in-asmallworld.html | title=Perks of Living in 'ASmallWorld' | work=] | date=June 4, 2013}}</ref>
Recently, asmallworld has been the subject of controversy for failing to provide the goods and services promised,<ref>http://trendspaeherin.blogspot.com/2013/08/asmallworld-from-snobster-to-fraudster.html</ref> engaging in gender discrimination<ref name="nydailynews.com">http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/man-seeks-added-paid-family-leave-loses-job-suit-article-1.1767060</ref><ref name="nypost.com">http://nypost.com/2014/04/23/man-sues-employer-for-alleged-firing-over-paternity-leave/</ref> and eliminating members without good cause.<ref name="Spear's">{{cite web|url=http://www.spearswms.com/blog/the-egos-and-arguments-behind-a-small-worlds-purge-of-members-and-the-rival-group-getting-its-own-back/#.U1Yku16x3pZ |title=The egos and arguments behind A Small World's purge of members, and the rival group getting its own back |publisher=Spear's |date=2013-10-31 |accessdate=2014-04-22}}</ref>


==Company history== ==History==
In March 2004, ] and ] founded ASmallWorld.<ref name=thewealthy>{{cite news| url=https://www.forbes.com/2008/05/02/social-networks-vip-tech-personal-cx_nr_0502style.html | title=Five Social Networking Sites Of The Wealthy | work=] | first=Nicola | last=Ruiz | date=May 2, 2008 | url-access=subscription }}</ref> It was dubbed "MySpace for millionaires" by '']''.<ref name="thewealthy" /> To maintain its desired exclusivity, ASmallWorld, while initially free, was invitation-only, open only to those invited by an existing member. In October 2004, the platform had 30,000 users, mostly celebrities, models and bankers between 25 and 35 years old, living in Europe or North America.<ref>{{cite magazine| url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,725104,00.html | magazine=] | first=Simon | last=Crittle | title=Clubs for People Who Point and Clique | date=October 17, 2004}}</ref> By August 2005, the platform had 68,000 members.<ref>{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.wired.com/2005/08/bin-laden-in-hell/ | title=Bin Laden in 'Hell' | magazine=] | date=August 1, 2005}}</ref>


In May 2006, ]'s ] acquired the majority share.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/12/movies/12movie.html |title= Films From the Weinsteins Falter, but the Brothers Stay Focused |author= Cieply, Michael |date= April 12, 2007 |work= ]}}</ref> In October 2009, Weinstein sold the controlling stake in the company, citing a need to focus his company's resources on its struggling movie operations.{{citation needed|date=April 2013}} In May 2006, ]'s ] acquired a majority stake in the platform.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/12/movies/12movie.html | title=Films From the Weinsteins Falter, but the Brothers Stay Focused | last=Cieply | first=Michael | authorlink=Michael Cieply | work=] | date=April 12, 2007 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> Other investors included former ] COO ], film director ], and entrepreneur ].<ref name=facebookfew>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/06/fashion/06smallworld.html | work=] | first=Ruth | last=La Ferla | title=A Facebook for the Few | date=September 6, 2007 | url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=exclusivity>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/22/technology/22weinstein.html | work=] | first=Maria | last=Aspan | authorlink=Maria Aspan | title=A Weinstein Will Invest In Exclusivity | date=May 22, 2006 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> At the time, ASmallWorld had approximately 130,000 members. Harvey Weinstein said his company planned to expand the site's membership and bring in additional advertisers. It was the Weinstein Company's first investment in an Internet company.<ref name=exclusivity/> After launching online advertising in 2006, the website had 100 partners. Advertisers included ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name=facebookfew/>


In October 2009, Patrick Liotard-Vogt, a ] heir and Swiss investor, purchased a controlling stake in the company, now stylised ASMALLWORLD, and became its ].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/company-town-blog/story/2009-10-13/weinstein-co-selling-controlling-stake-in-exclusive-social-networking-site | title=Weinstein Co. selling controlling stake in exclusive social networking site | first=Joe | last=Flint | work=] | date=October 13, 2009}}</ref> Sabine Heller became ]. At that time, membership was in excess of 500,000 members.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/17/business/sabine-heller-of-a-small-world-on-teaching-yourself.html | work=] | first=Adam | last=Bryant | title=Sabine Heller of A Small World, on Teaching Yourself | date=January 16, 2014 | url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324493704578431161984937642 | work=] | title=The Social Networker | date=April 26, 2013 | url-access=subscription}}</ref>
Swiss entrepreneur and investor Patrick Liotard-Vogt purchased the controlling stake in ASMALLWORLD and became it's Chairman holding 80% of the stock.<ref name="tagesanzeiger.ch">http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/wirtschaft/karriere/LiotardVogt-zeigt-sich-in-Zuerich/story/18476798</ref><ref name="Blick.ch">{{cite web|url=http://www.blick.ch/news/wirtschaft/facebook-fuer-reiche-mistet-aus-id2301102.html |title=Tiger Woods ist schon weg: "Facebook für Reiche" mistet aus – Wirtschaft – Blick |language={{de icon}} |publisher=Blick.ch |date=2013-05-13 |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref> In January 2014, the international press began reporting that there were debts and claims of approximately $5,000,000 against him.<ref name="independent.co.uk">http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/asmallworld-nestl-heir-patrick-liotardvogt-a-jetrosexual-website-and-a-3m-dispute-9084223.html</ref> He reportedly fled Switzerland ahead of these debts and emigrated to St. Kitts.<ref name="independent.co.uk"/><ref>http://www.nzz.ch/aktuell/panorama/der-a-small-world-macher-setzt-sich-in-die-karibik-ab-1.18226885</ref><ref>http://www.handelszeitung.ch/unternehmen/millionenbetreibungen-gegen-patrick-liotard-vogt-555685</ref> One of the claims was made by a former CEO of Diners Club (Schweiz) AG where Patrick Liotard-Vogt served on the board and acted as anchor investor.<ref>http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/wirtschaft/unternehmen-und-konjunktur/Mit-der-altehrwuerdigen-Kreditkarte-Diners-Club-in-die-angesagten-Klubs/story/20378421</ref> Another claim was made by David Degen a Swiss soccer player. Towards the end of January 2014, David Degen publicly announced that the matter has been privately settled.<ref>http://www.nzz.ch/aktuell/panorama/david-degen-zieht-betreibung-gegen-patrick-liotard-vogt-zurueck-1.18227956</ref> In March 2014, Liotard-Vogt stepped down from his position with Diners Club (Schweiz).<ref name="20min.ch">http://www.20min.ch/finance/news/story/13611677</ref> Finally, Liotard-Vogt was said to owe over $1,000,000 to former ASMALLWORLD CEO Joe Robinson.<ref name="20min.ch"/>


In July 2012, the company launched a ] for ].<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asmallworld-launches-mobile-application-for-members-worldwide-164258316.html | title=ASMALLWORLD Launches Mobile Application For Members Worldwide | publisher=] | date=July 30, 2012}}</ref> A mobile app for ] followed.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.asmallworld.android&hl=en| title=ASMALLWORLD - Apps on Google Play | website=]}}</ref>
⚫ In February 2013, ASMALLWORLD announced that as of March 1, 2013, it would not be accepting new members, citing an initiative to ensure the integrity of the community.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.nzz.ch/aktuell/panorama/a-small-world-wird-noch-kleiner-1.18080128 |title=Spielplatz für die globalisierte High Society: "A Small World" wird noch kleiner - Panorama Nachrichten |language={{de icon}} |publisher=NZZ.ch |date= |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref> The company mapped a new strategy with a smaller network and more perks for its members. After shutting down, ASW relaunched in May 2013.<ref>{{cite web|author=May 10, 2013 |url=http://www.wwd.com/media-news/digital/a-small-world-maps-new-strategy-6927751?module=hp-topstories |title=A Small World Maps New Strategy - Digital - Media |publisher=WWD.com |date=2013-05-10 |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref>


⚫ In February 2013, ASmallWorld announced that as of March 1, 2013, it would not be accepting new members, citing an initiative to ensure the integrity of the community.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nzz.ch/panorama/a-small-world-wird-noch-kleiner-1.18080128 | title="A Small World" wird noch kleiner | trans-title="A Small World" is getting even smaller | first=Katja | last=Baigger | work=] | date=May 13, 2013 | language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.blick.ch/news/wirtschaft/tiger-woods-ist-schon-weg-facebook-fuer-reiche-mistet-aus-id2301102.html | title=Tiger Woods ist schon weg: "Facebook für Reiche" mistet aus – Wirtschaft | trans-title=Tiger Woods is already gone "Facebook for the rich" mucked out | work=] |date=May 13, 2013 | language=de}}</ref> The company changed its strategy to focus on a smaller network and more perks for its members. After temporarily shutting down, ASW relaunched in May 2013 with a membership model and an advertising-free experience for its members.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://wwd.com/business-news/media/a-small-world-maps-new-strategy-6927751/ | title=A Small World Maps New Strategy | first=David | last=Lipke | work=] | date=May 10, 2013}}</ref>
==Member-vetting process==


In March 2013, it acquired World's Finest Club, which offers exclusive access to clubs worldwide.<ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130308005828/en/ASMALLWORLD-Announces-Acquisition-World%E2%80%99s-Finest-Club | title=ASMALLWORLD Announces Acquisition of the World's Finest Club | publisher=] | date=March 8, 2013}}</ref>
To join, one must receive an invitation from an existing member, or an invitation from from the governing board after filing an application to be considered for membership.<ref name="Denman, Selina"/><ref name="Apply for Membership"/><ref name="asmallworld.com"/>


In April 2013, the company purged many members from its rolls, reducing its user base from 850,000 to 250,000 members.<ref name="viptravel">{{Cite news | url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/05/13/asmallworld-travel-club/ | title="Myspace For Millionaires" ASMALLWORLD Pivots Into A $105 VIP Travel Club | first=Josh | last=Constine | work=] | date=May 13, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.businessinsider.com/asmallworld-goes-to-subscription-model-2013-5 | title=Social Network For The Elite Is Getting Even More Exclusive | first=Julie | last=Zeveloff | work=] | date=May 13, 2013}}</ref>
==Features==


On March 20, 2018, ASmallWorld AG became a ] via an ] on the ], raising CHF 18 million.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/asmallworld-ipo/asmallworld-networking-site-to-list-81-mln-shares-on-swiss-bourse-idUSZ8N1P402E | title=ASMALLWORLD networking site to list 8.1 mln shares on Swiss bourse | first=John | last=Miller | work=] | date=March 15, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.six-group.com/exchanges/news/overview_en.html?id=asmallworld | title=IPO season gets off to a successful start | work=] | date=March 20, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/ey-news-release-strong-q1-on-ipo-market-including-switzerland/$FILE/ey-news-release-strong-q1-on-ipo-market-including-switzerland.pdf | title=Strong Q1 on IPO market - including Switzerland | first=Karin | last=Mateu | work=] | date=March 27, 2017}}</ref>
ASMALLWORLD is part communication platform, part service platform, for "a private international community of culturally influential people, connected by three degrees."<ref name="Anne Simpson 2014">{{cite book | url=http://books.google.de/books?id=60YfAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT62&dq=asmallworld&hl=de&sa=X&ei=1Q50U7X9Dau47QauioHYCA&ved=0CFsQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=asmallworld&f=false | title=The Brand Strategist's Guide to Desire: How to give consumers what they actually want | publisher=] | author=] | year=2014}}</ref> The website is tailored to facilitate both online interaction and ] meetups between members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/video/is-social-media-the-new-travel-guide-NS1F~msVSkGlcjn8t2Qigw.html |title=Is Social Media the New Travel Guide?: Video |publisher=Bloomberg |date=2013-04-24 |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref>


In September 2018, the company acquired First Class & More International.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-asmallworld-buys-first-class-more-idUSASO0007ZC | title=BRIEF-Asmallworld Buys First Class & More International | work=] | date=September 25, 2018}}</ref> In February 2019, the company acquired a UK-based travel agency LuxuryBared and integrated into the ASW app and website, after having invested heavily into technology and team.<ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/eqs-adhoc-asmallworld-ag-acquires-luxurybared-a-travel-booking-platform-specialised-in-luxury-travel-1027915337 | title=EQS-Adhoc: ASMALLWORLD AG: acquires LuxuryBARED, a travel booking platform specialised in luxury travel | publisher=] | date=February 1, 2019}}</ref> In March 2019, ASW Hospitality became the ] for the North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, ], a ]-branded hotel.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.hospitalitynet.org/announcement/41002522/north-island-a-luxury-collection-resort-seychelles.html | title=North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles | work=Hospitality Net | date=5 March 2019}}</ref> Dario Bertucci was named managing director of ASW Hospitality.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-asmallworld-names-dario-bertucci-m-idUSFWN20U13F | title=BRIEF-Asmallworld Names Dario Bertucci Managing Director Of ASW Hospitality | work=] | date=March 8, 2019}}</ref>
The site shares some features with other social network services, such as ]s, an ] and ]. The site also offers over 100 "city guides" written by its members detailing and rating restaurants, bars and clubs. To facilitate meetups, ASW’s site has a “Geolocator” tool, which allows users to post travel plans as well as browse and comment on the travel plans of other members. Members can also view upcoming ASW-hosted events in different cities.<ref name="Anne Simpson 2014"/>

In 2012, ASW released a ] for ] that allows members to indicate whether they are willing to meet up with fellow members nearby or during upcoming travels.{{citation needed|date=May 2014}}

The site also allows members to buy and sell items, find potential employees and business partners, find investors or ventures to invest in, rent property, and find ]s. Using the site’s ]s, members can exchange advice on travel and business, or simply engage in conversation.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://techcrunch.com/2013/05/13/asmallworld-travel-club/ |title="Myspace For Millionaires" ASMALLWORLD Pivots Into A $105-A-Year VIP Travel Club |publisher=TechCrunch |date=2013-05-13 |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref>

ASMALLWORLD allows users to list multiple cities for their locations of residence.{{citation needed|date=May 2014}}

==Offline offerings==

ASMALLWORLD hosts about 300 events per year worldwide for members to get together. A membership card designed by ] provides access to various privileges and ASW events worldwide; an extensive privileges programme that offers deals and discounts on travel, lifestyle and luxury goods.<ref>https://www.asmallworld.com/about_privileges?type=travel</ref> The Member Privileges Programm includes benefits from luxury spas, to discounted stays in luxury hotels, including some of those in ] group.<ref name="Anne Simpson 2014"/>

⚫ Each year over 200 members attend the Winter Weekend in ], Switzerland, where members can join in ]s, ] parties, and a dinner event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000172362&__source=yahoo%7Cheadline%7Cquote%7Cvideo%7C&par=yahoo |title=Perks of Living in 'ASmallWorld' - CNBC |publisher=Video.cnbc.com |date= |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref>

In 2011, members donated €40,000 to a ] prevention charity run by ]. At the 2012 Winter Weekend in Gstaad, members raised $95,000 for the ]. ], an Ambassador for the ], was present.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/news_article.php?newsID=1440 |title=Carey Mulligan raises $95,000 for Alzheimer's Society at Swiss gala dinner - Alzheimer's Society |publisher=Alzheimers.org.uk |date=2012-12-18 |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref>

The company also offers invitations to events hosted by its partners.<ref>{{cite news|author= |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/party_animals_hG7ItPcy3FKF0OywVbbc5N |title=Party animals &#124; Page Six |newspaper=New York Post |publisher=Nypost.com |date=2013-05-14 |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref> For example, users might preview new collections from fashion designers. Members also have access to a privileges program. Here they can choose between over 500 partners offering reductions and VIP service among other things for hotels, car services, designer brands, and other lifestyle brands.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gross |first=Daniel |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/05/15/asmallworld-relaunches-as-a-travel-club-for-premier-globetrotters.html |title=ASMALLWORLD Relaunches as a Travel Club for Premier Globetrotters |publisher=The Daily Beast |date=2013-05-15 |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref>

The company has stated through its mobile ] ] that they “will be extending members-only perks and benefits exclusively to ASW members” with selected partners.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/arts-entertainment/celebrity/sabine-heller-the-world-in-her-hands-1.1181576 |title=Sabine Heller: The world in her hands |publisher=GulfNews.com |date=2013-05-11 |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref>

==Controversies==

When ASMALLWORLD relaunched as a pay site in 2013 they promised members a week long free vacation in St. Kitts and free introductory car service from various airports around the world.<ref>http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000172362&__source=yahoo%7Cheadline%7Cquote%7Cvideo%7C&par=yahoo</ref> Construction of the hotel in St. Kitts was delayed and the resort will be open for guests in December 2014.<ref>http://www.labourspokesman.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=8822</ref>

The 2013 effort to bring down the number of users from around 850,000 to 250,000 involved the expulsion of several members. According to the ASMALLWORLD management these were ''"a small group of under 900 users, most of whose accounts were dormant and the remainder who had acquired a notable percentage of declined and ignored connections, complaints from other members or reports of unsolicited or inappropriate messaging"''. The purge included some "fallen celebrities" such as ], allegedly on the grounds of his extramarital affairs, and actress ]; while other celebrities, such as ], ], or ] remained in the network.<ref name="Blick.ch"/><ref name="Anne Simpson 2014"/> The management stated that the process was based on an ''"]"'' and that it had ''"decided to terminate the accounts of anyone who undermines the unique spirit of openness that serves as the cornerstone of ASW"''. As a result, a few thousand former and current members gathered on ] in a group called ''"asw nostalgia"'', of which one ] was subsequently removed from ASMALLWORLD. ASMALLWORLD defended this action with a personal comment on the member.<ref name="Spear's"/><ref name="tagesanzeiger.ch"/>

== Gender Discrimination Law Suit==

In April 2014 ASMALLWORLD was sued by a former employee in Federal District Court in Manhattan for discrimination. The plaintiff alleges that he was fired by ASMALLWORLD for requesting paid leave when his spouse had a child.<ref name="nydailynews.com"/><ref name="nypost.com"/>


==See also== ==See also==
Line 83: Line 46:


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}}
<references/>


==External links== ==External links==
* * {{Official website|https://www.asmallworld.com/}}


] ]
]
]

Latest revision as of 03:19, 11 December 2024

Swiss social network
ASmallWorld AG
Type of businessPublic company
Country of originSwitzerland
OwnerPatrick Liotard-Vogt (64%)
Alexander König (9%)
Hansainvest (7%)
Global Hotel Alliance (3%)
Founder(s)Erik Wachtmeister
Louise Wachtmeister
ChairmanMichael Manz
CEOJan Luescher
IndustrySocial networking service
RevenueCHF 15.6 million (2021)
Total equityCHF 11 million shares
SubsidiariesASmallWorld Travel
ASmallWorld Hospitality
ASmallWorld Hotels & Resorts
First Class & More
The World's Finest Clubs
URLwww.asmallworld.com
LaunchedMarch 2004; 20 years ago (2004-03)

ASmallWorld (stylized as ASMALLWORLD, or ASW) is a media company and a social networking service based in Zürich, Switzerland focused on travelers.

The social network has a membership subscription business model; offering three different tiers: the basic ASmallWorld, Prestige and Signature.

Annually, in mid-December, over 200 members attend the Winter Weekend at the Gstaad Palace in Gstaad, Switzerland, where members can join in skiing, wine tastings, dinners, and black tie receptions.

History

In March 2004, Erik and Louise Wachtmeister founded ASmallWorld. It was dubbed "MySpace for millionaires" by The Wall Street Journal. To maintain its desired exclusivity, ASmallWorld, while initially free, was invitation-only, open only to those invited by an existing member. In October 2004, the platform had 30,000 users, mostly celebrities, models and bankers between 25 and 35 years old, living in Europe or North America. By August 2005, the platform had 68,000 members.

In May 2006, Harvey Weinstein's The Weinstein Company acquired a majority stake in the platform. Other investors included former AOL COO Robert W. Pittman, film director Renny Harlin, and entrepreneur Prince Alexander von Fürstenberg. At the time, ASmallWorld had approximately 130,000 members. Harvey Weinstein said his company planned to expand the site's membership and bring in additional advertisers. It was the Weinstein Company's first investment in an Internet company. After launching online advertising in 2006, the website had 100 partners. Advertisers included Jaguar Cars, Diane von Furstenberg, Mercedes-Benz, Cartier, and Moet & Chandon.

In October 2009, Patrick Liotard-Vogt, a Nestlé heir and Swiss investor, purchased a controlling stake in the company, now stylised ASMALLWORLD, and became its chairman. Sabine Heller became chief executive officer. At that time, membership was in excess of 500,000 members.

In July 2012, the company launched a mobile app for iOS. A mobile app for Android followed.

In February 2013, ASmallWorld announced that as of March 1, 2013, it would not be accepting new members, citing an initiative to ensure the integrity of the community. The company changed its strategy to focus on a smaller network and more perks for its members. After temporarily shutting down, ASW relaunched in May 2013 with a membership model and an advertising-free experience for its members.

In March 2013, it acquired World's Finest Club, which offers exclusive access to clubs worldwide.

In April 2013, the company purged many members from its rolls, reducing its user base from 850,000 to 250,000 members.

On March 20, 2018, ASmallWorld AG became a public company via an initial public offering on the SIX Swiss Exchange, raising CHF 18 million.

In September 2018, the company acquired First Class & More International. In February 2019, the company acquired a UK-based travel agency LuxuryBared and integrated into the ASW app and website, after having invested heavily into technology and team. In March 2019, ASW Hospitality became the property manager for the North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles, a Marriott International-branded hotel. Dario Bertucci was named managing director of ASW Hospitality.

See also

References

  1. "A Big Fish in a Small World". Global Citizen. July 5, 2018.
  2. Denman, Selina (June 20, 2013). "The lady making A Small World smaller". The National (Abu Dhabi).
  3. "Apply for Membership". Asmallworld.
  4. "ASMALLWORLD – Travel, Lifestyle & Community". Asmallworld.
  5. "Perks of Living in 'ASmallWorld'". CNBC. June 4, 2013.
  6. ^ Ruiz, Nicola (May 2, 2008). "Five Social Networking Sites Of The Wealthy". Forbes.
  7. Crittle, Simon (October 17, 2004). "Clubs for People Who Point and Clique". Time.
  8. "Bin Laden in 'Hell'". Wired. August 1, 2005.
  9. Cieply, Michael (April 12, 2007). "Films From the Weinsteins Falter, but the Brothers Stay Focused". The New York Times.
  10. ^ La Ferla, Ruth (September 6, 2007). "A Facebook for the Few". The New York Times.
  11. ^ Aspan, Maria (May 22, 2006). "A Weinstein Will Invest In Exclusivity". The New York Times.
  12. Flint, Joe (October 13, 2009). "Weinstein Co. selling controlling stake in exclusive social networking site". Los Angeles Times.
  13. Bryant, Adam (January 16, 2014). "Sabine Heller of A Small World, on Teaching Yourself". The New York Times.
  14. "The Social Networker". The Wall Street Journal. April 26, 2013.
  15. "ASMALLWORLD Launches Mobile Application For Members Worldwide" (Press release). PR Newswire. July 30, 2012.
  16. "ASMALLWORLD - Apps on Google Play". Google Play.
  17. Baigger, Katja (May 13, 2013). ""A Small World" wird noch kleiner" ["A Small World" is getting even smaller]. Neue Zürcher Zeitung (in German).
  18. "Tiger Woods ist schon weg: "Facebook für Reiche" mistet aus – Wirtschaft" [Tiger Woods is already gone "Facebook for the rich" mucked out]. Blick (in German). May 13, 2013.
  19. Lipke, David (May 10, 2013). "A Small World Maps New Strategy". Women's Wear Daily.
  20. "ASMALLWORLD Announces Acquisition of the World's Finest Club" (Press release). Business Wire. March 8, 2013.
  21. Constine, Josh (May 13, 2013). ""Myspace For Millionaires" ASMALLWORLD Pivots Into A $105 VIP Travel Club". TechCrunch.
  22. Zeveloff, Julie (May 13, 2013). "Social Network For The Elite Is Getting Even More Exclusive". Business Insider.
  23. Miller, John (March 15, 2018). "ASMALLWORLD networking site to list 8.1 mln shares on Swiss bourse". Reuters.
  24. "IPO season gets off to a successful start". SIX Swiss Exchange. March 20, 2018.
  25. Mateu, Karin (March 27, 2017). "Strong Q1 on IPO market - including Switzerland" (PDF). Ernst & Young.
  26. "BRIEF-Asmallworld Buys First Class & More International". Reuters. September 25, 2018.
  27. "EQS-Adhoc: ASMALLWORLD AG: acquires LuxuryBARED, a travel booking platform specialised in luxury travel" (Press release). Business Insider. February 1, 2019.
  28. "North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles". Hospitality Net. 5 March 2019.
  29. "BRIEF-Asmallworld Names Dario Bertucci Managing Director Of ASW Hospitality". Reuters. March 8, 2019.

External links

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