Draft:History of Freelancing Platforms
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Last edited by Bearcat (talk | contribs) 0 seconds ago. (Update) |
Type of site | Online marketplace |
|---|---|
| Commercial | Yes |
| Launched | 1999 |
| Current status | Active |
Freelancing platforms are online marketplaces that connect freelancers with clients worldwide. These platforms have become central to the growth of the global gig economy.
History
[edit]The concept of freelancing dates back centuries, but online freelancing platforms started in the late 1990s. Elance, launched in 1999, was one of the first major platforms, providing a secure workspace and escrow payment system.[1]
In 2003, oDesk entered the market, focusing on real-time collaboration and time-tracking tools to help clients monitor freelancers’ work.[2] In 2015, Elance and oDesk merged to create Upwork, which became one of the largest freelancing marketplaces globally.[3]
Expansion and Competitors
[edit]Other notable platforms include Freelancer.com (founded in 2009), which focuses on contests and competitive bidding, and Fiverr (founded in 2010), which popularized the model of fixed-price services starting at $5.[4]
Technological Advancements
[edit]Modern platforms use AI to suggest projects to freelancers and recommend suitable talent to clients. Fiverr introduced Fiverr Business to simplify hiring for teams and large companies.[5]
Impact
[edit]Freelancing platforms have transformed the global job market, offering flexibility and remote work opportunities. According to Forbes, over 1.1 billion people were freelancing worldwide by 2023.[6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Online Outsourcing Firms Thrive". The New York Times. 25 September 2000.
- ^ "How oDesk Grew Into A $1 Billion Marketplace". Business Insider. 2013.
- ^ "Elance-oDesk Rebrands As Upwork". TechCrunch. 5 May 2015.
- ^ "Fiverr And The Rise Of The Gig Economy". Forbes. 10 January 2020.
- ^ "Fiverr Business Helps Teams Hire Freelancers". VentureBeat. 2020.
- ^ "Global Freelance Economy: Growth And Challenges". Forbes. 20 June 2023.