Mark Zuckerberg is in Vancouver… to acquire HootSuite? [Updated with Photo]
UPDATE 3: Invoke Media and HootSuite were initially quiet about the rising speculation that Mark Zuckerberg was visiting Vancouver to acquire the social media dashboard. However, after the Wall Street Journal picked up our story, HootSuite CEO Ryan Holmes tweeted, "@facebook isn't buying @hootsuite anytime soon."
The last bit—"anytime soon"—is open to interpretation. It could mean they are in the early stages of discussion… or it could just mean it's not happening (ever).
UPDATE 2: The Facebook CEO could very well be in town to discuss acquiring social media dashboard HootSuite, if growing rumours can be belived.
People have guessed numerous reasons why Zuck is in Vancouver, but the most common reason noted across comments (below), tweets, and private messages has been talk of an acquisition. And interestingly, HootSuite is the name that's been floating around as the specific company. Local radio station The Beat 94.5 was discussing this possibility today as well.
It would certainly make sense: HootSuite, born from Invoke Media, is Vancouver-based and also a logical target for Facebook—especially considering the social network company is trying to be more active with acquistions.
Back in May, semi-competitor Twitter bought TweetDeck for $40 million.
HootSuite has continually expanded its offerings, adding analytics tools to its roster of services and most recently integrating with LinkedIn.
UPDATE: So far he's been reportedly seen at Gastown on hastings, near UBC in a BMW rental, and at a furniture store with a woman. But it has not yet been confirmed officially why he is in town.
ORIGINAL: Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is hanging out on the wet West Coast here in Vancouver.
Evidenced online by a Facebook status update (that had location on), Zuck is definitely in town but the "why" of it all is unclear.
Vancouverites were surprised to see the hoodie-clad social network creator strolling down Hastings Street in the historic Gastown yesterday.
Could he be here for the acquisition of a Vancouver startup? Perhaps. Opening night for the Vancouver Canucks? Unless he has a thing for the Penguins—sans Crosby, too—probably not. Maybe he just likes how pretty Vancouver is (although he's a month late on catching any rays).
If you know any details please share them in the comments.
Photo: @Felix_K_
