Bill Gross started Idealab in 1996 to create and operate pioneering technology companies. The structure of Idealab has allowed us to test many ideas at once and turn the best of them into companies, attracting the human and financial capital necessary to bring them to market.
Many of these companies were among the first to introduce new business ideas to the market. CitySearch, now a part of IAC, established the category of local online community directories. eToys demonstrated the tremendous potential for online consumer retail and became one of the most recognized brands during the early days of e-commerce. Overture Services, which began life as GoTo.com, was the first company to introduce the concept of paid search — the business model that powers the multibillion-dollar online search market.
Idealab continues to explore a range of technology frontiers. New models for improving the search experience are at the core of several companies currently growing inside of Idealab. Moving beyond the Internet, we have spawned companies with breakthrough technologies in robotics, renewable energy and automotive design and production among others. Idealab also continues to partner with leading venture capital firms and other strategic investors to provide the resources to maximize the potential of these companies.
In addition to capital, Idealab provides a full range of resources to infuse start-ups with the support they need to rapidly introduce innovative products and services. Resources include office space and the accompanying office services, development and technology, product and graphic design, marketing, financial advice, human resources, competitive research, legal, accounting and business development support and services. In addition, Idealab provides advice on strategy, branding and corporate structure.
We transform paper and a whole lot more into products that help celebrate life's special occasions and turn moments into memories.
IG Design Group plc is a leading global manufacturer and distributor of celebrations, stationery, creative play and gifting products. We are a UK AIM listed public company, with major operations in the UK, USA, Netherlands, Australia and China. From here we sell to over 80 countries, 5,400 customers and 150,000 stores.
Our products range from gift wrap, bags, cards, crackers; gift packs, calendars and photo frames; to kids creative play products, pens and notepads with much in-between. They all share one common theme, which is our ethos: a passion for design led excellence.
We pride ourselves on being a valued, value adding partner to our customers and suppliers, and a great place for our up to 1,600 employees to work, innovate and design