History and Operations

Jessica Lessin, a former reporter for The Wall Street Journal, founded The Information in December 2013 as a subscription-based news website targeting technology-sector executives. The publication's content is placed behind a paywall, providing subscribers with exclusive access to articles and global networking events. Lessin has expressed her ambition to "build the next Wall Street Journal over the next 50 years" with The Information. (en.wikipedia.org)

In its early stages, The Information hired reporter Eric Newcomer as its first employee in 2014. An advisory board was later formed, including notable figures such as venture capitalist John Doerr, Politico co-founder Jim VandeHei, and ProPublica executive chairman Paul Steiger. (en.wikipedia.org)

By 2022, the publication reported having 45,000 paid subscribers. In 2023, The Information launched a new subscription service offering charts, proprietary data, and reader surveys, targeting C-suite professionals. Additionally, the company has invested in other media ventures, including Semafor and The Ankler. (en.wikipedia.org)

Content and Impact

The Information focuses on in-depth, data-driven analysis and exclusive investigative stories within the technology sector. Its reporting has been credited with influencing significant industry developments, contributing to over $97 billion worth of brokered deals since its inception. (en.wikipedia.org)

In April 2017, the publication introduced 'Briefing,' a feature consisting of daily headlines with commentary on articles from other news sources. In December 2019, it launched 'The Tech Top 10,' a consumer-focused offering. In 2021, The Information debuted 'The Electric,' its first standalone subscription publication focusing on electric vehicle news. (en.wikipedia.org)

Networking and Community Engagement

Subscribers to The Information gain access not only to its content but also to worldwide networking events. In October 2016, the company introduced a student edition and an Investor subscription level, which includes private monthly conference calls and in-person briefings with the reporting team. (en.wikipedia.org)

In July 2022, Lessin announced plans to launch a social networking service for subscribers, aiming to foster stronger connections within the community, as existing platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn have grown too large to curate meaningful interactions. (en.wikipedia.org)

Asia Bureau

Beyond its San Francisco headquarters, The Information operates an Asia bureau led by Shai Oster in Hong Kong. The company has hosted international networking events, including a 2016 gathering in Beijing where annual subscribers met with leaders from Asian companies such as Xiaomi, Shunwei Capital, and Hillhouse Capital Group. (en.wikipedia.org)

Reception

Vanity Fair included The Information in its 2014 New Establishment list. The New York Times reported in 2020 that the publication's reporters are known in Silicon Valley for uncovering industry misdeeds and challenging powerful figures. (en.wikipedia.org)

Founder: Jessica Lessin

Jessica Lessin, born Jessica Elizabeth Vascellaro on May 11, 1983, is an American journalist and businesswoman. She graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard College in 2005 with a degree in history. During her time at Harvard, she wrote for The Harvard Crimson and served as an executive editor. (en.wikipedia.org)

After an eight-year tenure at The Wall Street Journal, where she covered major technology companies and was part of a team that was a 2012 Pulitzer Finalist for a series on digital privacy, Lessin left to establish The Information. She has appeared on CNBC, NPR, CNN, and Charlie Rose, and is a regular speaker at international conferences. (en.wikipedia.org)

In 2012, Lessin married Samuel Lessin, a former Facebook VP and current startup founder and investor. They have three children. Both Lessin and her husband are close friends with Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg. (en.wikipedia.org)