Yelp

Yelp is a local business discovery and review platform founded in July 2004 in San Francisco by Jeremy Stoppelman and Russel Simmons. The platform connects consumers with local businesses, allowing users to search for, review, and transact with businesses across various categories. Yelp went public in 2012 and has since accumulated millions of reviews, with users contributing 21 million new reviews in 2024 alone. Yelp's core features include the ability to read and write reviews, view photos and ratings, request quotes, join waitlists, and make reservations. Users can also book appointments and make purchases directly through the platform. The Yelp Elite Squad recognizes highly active reviewers, fostering a community of engaged users. The company generates revenue primarily through paid advertising from local businesses seeking visibility on the platform.