A Brief History of Fiverr

Fiverr is a global online marketplace for freelance services that was founded in 2010 in Tel Aviv by Micha Kaufman and Shai Wininger. The platform connects freelancers to people or businesses looking to hire for a range of services, including writing, translation, graphic design, video editing, programming, and more. When the company was founded, all tasks were priced at $5, hence the name "Fiverr." Today, prices can range from $5 to thousands of dollars. 

The company quickly gained popularity and expanded globally, with freelancers and businesses spanning an estimated 160 countries. In December 2013, Fiverr released their iOS app, and in March 2014, the company published their Android app, making it easier for users to access the platform on-the-go.

In October 2015, Fiverr faced legal action from Amazon.com, who claimed that 1,114 Fiverr sellers provided fake reviews on its website. Fiverr did not dispute Amazon's allegations and worked with the company to remove services that violated their terms of use.

Despite this setback, Fiverr continued to grow, and in November 2015, the company announced that it had raised $60 million in a Series D round of funding, bringing its total funding to date to $110 million. Fiverr went public in 2019 and listed on the NYSE.

In 2020, Fiverr launched Logo Maker, a tool powered by artificial intelligence for designing company logos, and Fiverr Business, a platform that helps teams at larger companies manage their workflows with freelancers and remote workers.

Over the years, Fiverr has also made several acquisitions to expand its services. In 2017, the company acquired video creation marketplace VeedMe. In 2018, Fiverr acquired AND.CO, maker of software for freelancers, which was later converted into Fiverr Workspace in 2021. In 2019, Fiverr acquired premium subscription-based content marketing platform ClearVoice, and in 2020, it acquired SLT Consulting, a boutique digital marketing agency specializing in social media marketing, search and SEO, as well as brand and content marketing. In February 2021, Fiverr acquired creative talent marketplace Working Not Working, and in October 2021, it acquired education and training platform CreativeLive. In November 2021, Fiverr acquired freelance management platform Stoke Talent for $95 million. 

Despite its success, Fiverr has faced criticism for portraying unhealthy living and excesses in work behaviors as ideals to live up to in its advertisements. Additionally, some have criticized the platform for undervaluing freelance labor and pushing down prices. Despite its criticism, Fiverr is becoming more popular worldwide among Freelancers.

Today, Fiverr is a multi-billion-dollar global marketplace that offers a diverse range of freelance services to businesses and individuals worldwide.