Medium the American online publishing platform developed by Evan Williams and launched in August 2012 is acquiring Paris-based startup Glose for an undisclosed amount.
Glose is the next-generation social reading platform where people can discover, read, highlight thousands of books, and engage with other readers through shared annotations. Glose reaches more than one million readers in 200 countries. Boasting a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, Glose carries ebooks and audiobooks from all major publishers, including Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Hachette, and Simon & Schuster.
Evan William, CEO – Medium, said, “We’re impressed not only by Glose’s reading products and technology, but also by their experience in partnering with book authors and publishers.”
“Books are a means of exploring an idea, a way to go deeper. The vast majority of the world’s ideas are stored in books and journals, yet are hardly searchable nor shareable.
“With Glose, we want to improve that experience within Medium’s large network of engaged readers and writers. We look forward to working with the Glose team on partnering with publishers to help authors reach more readers,” William added.
Nicolas Princen, founder and CEO of Glose, said, “Glose’s mission has always been to help people read more, and help them get more out of what they read.
“Joining Medium is a great opportunity to bring our technology to a wider number of readers around the world. We’ve always been fans of Ev’s work and his vision for Medium, and felt close to Medium’s mission to help people share ideas that matter.
“We are proud to be joining such a world-changing company and working hand in hand with book publishers to make this vision happen,” Princen said.
