Graphiq: The Rise and Acquisition of the Semantic Research Engine

Graphiq, formerly known as FindTheBest, was a pioneering semantic technology company that utilized artificial intelligence to generate interactive, data-driven infographics. Often compared to Wolfram Alpha, its primary goal was to provide users with direct, structured information rather than a list of search engine results.

History and Evolution

Founded in 2009 by Kevin J. O'Connor, Scott Leonard, and Brayton Johnson, the company launched in 2010 as FindTheBest. It initially focused on nine comparison categories, including health, education, and business. Over the years, the company expanded its reach, launching specialized sites like FindTheData.com and FindTheHome. In 2015, the company rebranded to Graphiq Inc., boasting a massive database containing over 1 billion entities and 120 billion attributes.

Product and Business Model

Graphiq functioned as a 'research engine,' bridging the gap between traditional search engines and review platforms. Its flagship product, Graphiq Search, provided content creators and journalists with access to a vast library of interactive visualizations. The company monetized its free consumer-facing research sites through advertisements, while its tools for publishers were widely adopted by major media outlets like Reuters and The Associated Press.

Acquisition by Amazon

In May 2017, Amazon acquired Graphiq for an estimated $50 million. Following the acquisition, the company announced that its specialized features for news publishers would be discontinued on July 21, 2017, marking the end of its independent operations as it integrated into Amazon's ecosystem.