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{{Short description|Swiss social network}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Infobox website
{{advert|date=August 2014}}
| name = ASMALLWORLDASmallWorld AG ▼
{{COI|date=May 2014}}
| logo = ASW_Logo_full_colour.png
| screenshot = ASW_Winter_Weekend_Gstaad.jpg
| company_type = [[Public Companycompany]]▼
| founder = [[Erik Wachtmeister]]<BR />[[Louise Wachtmeister]]
| chairman = Michael Manz
| CEO = Jan Luescher (since 2016)▼
| industry = [[Social Media /networking Internetservice]]▼
| revenue = CHF 815.8m6 million (20182021) ▼
| equity = CHF 11 million shares
| subsidiaries = ASmallWorld Travel <br /> ASmallWorld Hospitality <br /> ASmallWorld Hotels & Resorts <br /> First Class & More <br /> The World's Finest Clubs
| url = {{URL|www.asmallworld.com/}}
| launch_date = {{start date and = March age|2004|03}}▼
| country_of_origin = Switzerland
| owner = Patrick Liotard-Vogt (64%)<BR />Alexander König (9%)<BR />Hansainvest (7%)<BR />Global Hotel Alliance (3%)
}}
'''ASmallWorld''' (stylized as '''ASMALLWORLD''', or '''ASW''') is a media company and a [[Social networking service|social network]] based in [[Zürich]], [[Switzerland]]. The company markets itself as "the world's leading travel & lifestyle community" and offers its services to travellers around the world.
 
==Membership levels ==▼
{{Infobox dot-com company
ToThe join,social onenetwork musthas receivea anmembership invitationsubscription frommodel; anoffering existingthree memberdifferent tiers: the basic ASmallWorld, orPrestige anand invitationSignature.<ref>{{cite fromnews the| governingurl=https://global-citizen.com/big-fish-small-world/ board| aftertitle=A filingBig anFish applicationin toa beSmall consideredWorld for| membership.<refwork=Global nameCitizen | date="DenmanJuly 5, Selina"2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=httphttps://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/the-lady-making-a-small-world-smaller#page1-1.445204 | title=The lady making A Small World smaller | publisherlast=Denman | first=Selina | work=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)]] | date=20 June 2013 | access-date=1 May 2014 | author=Denman20, Selina2013}}</ref><ref name="Apply for Membership">{{cite web | url=https://www.asmallworld.com/apply | title=Apply for Membership | publisher=Asmallworld | access-date=1 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="asmallworld.com">{{cite web | url=https://www.asmallworld.com/member_applications/new | title=ASMALLWORLD – Travel, Lifestyle & Community |author publisher=|date=|website=www.asmallworld.com|access-date=22 February 2019Asmallworld}}</ref>▼
▲| name = ASMALLWORLD AG
==Events==
▲| company_type = Public Company
EachAnnually, yearin mid-December, over 200 members attend the Winter Weekend at the [[Gstaad Palace]] in [[Gstaad]], [[Switzerland]], where members can join in [[wine tastingskiing]]s, [[fonduewine tasting]]s, partiesdinners, and a[[black dinnertie]] eventreceptions.<ref>{{cite web | url=httphttps://videowww.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000172362&__source=yahoo%7Cheadline%7Cquote%7Cvideo%7C&par=yahoo/2013/06/04/perks-of-living-in-asmallworld.html | title=Perks of Living in 'ASmallWorld' -| work=[[CNBC]] |publisher=Video.cnbc.com |date=June 4, |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref> ▼
| chairman = Patrick Liotard-Vogt
▲| CEO = Jan Luescher (since 2016)
▲| industry = Social Media / Internet
▲| revenue = CHF 8.8m (2018)
CHF 5m (2017)
| equity =CHF 11'367'153.00
| url = www.asw.com
▲| launch_date = March 2004
|owner=Patrick Liotard-Vogt (69%)
Alexander König (9%)}}
'''ASMALLWORLD''' (styled '''ASMALLWORLD'''; '''ASW'''), founded in 2004 as one of the first social networks, is the leading invitation-only Travel and Lifestyle community. The company operates a paid-subscription model and members pay a yearly fee starting at CHF 100 per year and up to CHF 26'000 for the top tier membership.
 
==History==
Members get access to an advertising free and curated community of global citizens around the world. The company organizes over 1'000 events per year, ranging from after work gatherings, art gallery openings to its famous Gstaad Winter Weekend.
In March 2004, [[Erik Wachtmeister|Erik]] and [[Louise Wachtmeister]] founded ASmallWorld.<ref name=thewealthy>{{cite news| url=https://www.forbes.com/2008/05/02/social-networks-vip-tech-personal-cx_nr_0502style.html | title=Five Social Networking Sites Of The Wealthy | work=[[Forbes]] | first=Nicola | last=Ruiz | date=May 2, 2008 | url-access=subscription }}</ref> It was dubbed "MySpace for millionaires" by ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]''.<ref name="thewealthy" /> To maintain its desired exclusivity, ASmallWorld, while initially free, was invitation-only, open only to those invited by an existing member. In October 2004, the platform had 30,000 users, mostly celebrities, models and bankers between 25 and 35 years old, living in Europe or North America.<ref>{{cite magazine| url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,725104,00.html | magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] | first=Simon | last=Crittle | title=Clubs for People Who Point and Clique | date=October 17, 2004}}</ref> By August 2005, the platform had 68,000 members.<ref>{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.wired.com/2005/08/bin-laden-in-hell/ | title=Bin Laden in 'Hell' | magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] | date=August 1, 2005}}</ref>
 
In May 2006, [[Harvey Weinstein]]'s [[The Weinstein Company]] acquired thea majority share,stake in the platform.<ref>{{cite news | url= https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/12/movies/12movie.html | title= Films From the Weinsteins Falter, but the Brothers Stay Focused |author last= Cieply, | first=Michael |date authorlink=Michael AprilCieply 12,| 2007 |work= [[The New York Times]] | date=April 12, 2007 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> joining a team ofOther investors that included former [[AOL]] TimeCOO Warner[[Robert COOPittman (media executive)|Robert W. Pittman]], film director [[Renny Harlin]], and entrepreneur [[Prince Alexander Vonvon FurstenbergFürstenberg]].<ref name=facebookfew>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/06/fashion/06smallworld.html?_r=0 | work=[[The New York Times]] | first=Ruth | last=La Ferla | title=A Facebook for the Few | date=September 6, 2007 | url-09-06access=subscription}}</ref><ref name="Aspan"exclusivity>{{cite news | url=https://querywww.nytimes.com/gst2006/05/22/technology/fullpage22weinstein.html?res=9802E4DF103EF931A15756C0A9609C8B63&module=Search&mabReward=relbias%3Ar%2C%7B%221%22%3A%22RI%3A11%22%7D | work=[[The New York Times]] | first=Maria | last=Aspan | authorlink=Maria Aspan | title=A Weinstein Will Invest In Exclusivity | date=May 22, 2006 | url-05-22access=subscription}}</ref> At the time, A Small WorldASmallWorld had approximately 130,000 members. Harvey Weinstein said his company planned to expand the site's membership and bring in additional advertisers. It was the Weinstein Company's first investment in an Internet company.<ref name="Aspan"exclusivity/> After launching online advertising in 2006, the website had 100 partners. Advertisers included [[Jaguar Cars]], [[Diane von Furstenberg]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], [[Cartier (jeweler)|Cartier]], and [[Moet & Chandon]].<ref name="socialnetworkingwatch.com"facebookfew/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911214747/http://business.highbeam.com/2012/article-1G1-159506298/innovative-voices-11-people-shaping-industry-future|title=Innovative voices: 11 people shaping the industry's future.(leadership in hollywood)(Company overview) - HighBeam Business: Arrive Prepared|author=|date=|website=web.archive.org|accessdate=22 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/06/fashion/06smallworld.html?_r=1& | work=The New York Times | first=Ruth | last=La Ferla | title=A Facebook for the Few | date=2007-09-06}}</ref>▼
▲To join, one must receive an invitation from an existing member, or an invitation from the governing board after filing an application to be considered for membership.<ref name="Denman, Selina">{{cite web | url=http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/the-lady-making-a-small-world-smaller#page1 | title=The lady making A Small World smaller | publisher=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)]] | date=20 June 2013 | access-date=1 May 2014 | author=Denman, Selina}}</ref><ref name="Apply for Membership">{{cite web | url=https://www.asmallworld.com/apply | title=Apply for Membership | publisher=Asmallworld | access-date=1 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="asmallworld.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.asmallworld.com/member_applications/new|title=ASMALLWORLD – Travel, Lifestyle & Community|author=|date=|website=www.asmallworld.com|access-date=22 February 2019}}</ref>
 
In October 2009, Swiss entrepreneur and investor Patrick Liotard-Vogt purchased thea controlling stake in the company, now stylised ASMALLWORLD, and became its Chairman[[chairman]].<ref>{{cite webpress release | url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20091014006491/de/ | title=SchweizerSwiss Unternehmerentrepreneur Patrick Liotard-Vogt kauftbuys Anteileshares vonof Bob undand Harvey Weinstein anin ASMALLWORLD undand wirdbecomes größterthe Anteilseignerlargest dershareholder privatenin the private online community Online-Gemeinschaft|author publisher=[[Business Wire]] | date=15 October 14, 2009}}{{dead link |websitedate=www.businesswire.com|accessdate=22 FebruarySeptember 20192023}}</ref> Sabine Heller became [[chief executive officer]]. At that time, membership was in excess of 500,000 members and growing, when Sabine Heller became its CEO.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/17/business/sabine-heller-of-a-small-world-on-teaching-yourself.html | work=[[The New York Times]] | first=Adam | last=Bryant | title=Sabine Heller of A Small World, on Teaching Yourself | date=January 16, 2014 | url-01-16access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324493704578431161984937642 | work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] | title=The Social Networker | date=April 26, 2013 | url-04-26access=subscription}}</ref>▼
==Company history==
In March 2004, Wachtmeister and his wife Louise Wachtmeister founded the social networking website ASmallWorld<ref name="Ruiz">{{cite news| url=https://www.forbes.com/2008/05/02/social-networks-vip-tech-personal-cx_nr_0502style.html | work=Forbes | first=Nicola | last=Ruiz | title=Five Social Networking Sites Of The Wealthy}}</ref> as an exclusive social networking site for a worldwide community of people already connected by three degrees of separation.<ref name="The New York Times">{{cite web| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/28/technology/28iht-net29.html |title="Join? Well, if you have to ask ..." | work=The New York Times}}</ref> It launched around the same time as [[MySpace]] and [[Facebook]], two years before Facebook was made available to non-college students.<ref name="socialnetworkingwatch.com">[http://www.socialnetworkingwatch.com/2008/08/asmallwolrd-fou.html ASmallWorld] socialnetworkingwatch.com</ref><ref name="The Daily Telegraph">{{cite news| url=http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/edmundconway/100008516/the-social-network-that-could-have-been-facebook/ | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | title=The social network that could have been Facebook | date=2010-11-08}}</ref> It was dubbed "MySpace for millionaires" by the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]''.<ref name="Ruiz"/> To maintain its desired exclusivity, ASmallWorld, while free, was invitation-only, open only to those invited by an existing member.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,725104,00.html | work=Time | first=Simon | last=Crittle | title=Clubs for People Who Point and Clique | date=2004-10-17}}</ref> Whereas Facebook soon opened its membership to everyone, A Small World remained exclusive.<ref name="The Daily Telegraph"/> Wachtmeister, over the course of his travels, identified an existing niche community of people with similar lifestyles and tastes. He wanted to provide them with a platform to network and share information.<ref name="Ruiz"/><ref name="The New York Times"/>
 
In July 2012, the company launched a [[mobile app]] for [[iOS]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://gigaom.com/2012/07/31/asmallworld-launches-mobile-app-for-invite-only-social-network/ | title=ASmallWorld launches mobile app for invite-only social network | first=ELIZA | last=KERN | work=[[GigaOm]] | date=July 31, 2012}}</ref> A mobile app for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] followed.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.asmallworld.android&hl=en| title=ASMALLWORLD - Apps on Google Play | website=[[Google Play]]}}</ref>
▲In May 2006, [[Harvey Weinstein]]'s [[The Weinstein Company]] acquired the majority share,<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/12/movies/12movie.html |title= Films From the Weinsteins Falter, but the Brothers Stay Focused |author= Cieply, Michael |date= April 12, 2007 |work= [[The New York Times]]}}</ref> joining a team of investors that included former AOL Time Warner COO Robert W. Pittman, film director Renny Harlin, and entrepreneur Alexander Von Furstenberg.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/06/fashion/06smallworld.html?_r=0 | work=The New York Times | first=Ruth | last=La Ferla | title=A Facebook for the Few | date=2007-09-06}}</ref><ref name="Aspan">{{cite news| url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9802E4DF103EF931A15756C0A9609C8B63&module=Search&mabReward=relbias%3Ar%2C%7B%221%22%3A%22RI%3A11%22%7D | work=The New York Times | first=Maria | last=Aspan | title=A Weinstein Will Invest In Exclusivity | date=2006-05-22}}</ref> At the time, A Small World had approximately 130,000 members. Harvey Weinstein said his company planned to expand the site's membership and bring in additional advertisers. It was the Weinstein Company's first investment in an Internet company.<ref name="Aspan"/> After launching online advertising in 2006, the website had 100 partners. Advertisers included Jaguar, [[Diane von Furstenberg]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], [[Cartier (jeweler)|Cartier]], and [[Moet & Chandon]].<ref name="socialnetworkingwatch.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911214747/http://business.highbeam.com/2012/article-1G1-159506298/innovative-voices-11-people-shaping-industry-future|title=Innovative voices: 11 people shaping the industry's future.(leadership in hollywood)(Company overview) - HighBeam Business: Arrive Prepared|author=|date=|website=web.archive.org|accessdate=22 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/06/fashion/06smallworld.html?_r=1& | work=The New York Times | first=Ruth | last=La Ferla | title=A Facebook for the Few | date=2007-09-06}}</ref>
 
In February 2013, ASmallWorld announced that as of March 1, 2013, it would not be accepting new members, citing an initiative to ensure the integrity of the community.<ref>{{cite web|author=news | url=httphttps://www.nzz.ch/aktuell/panorama/a-small-world-wird-noch-kleiner-1.18080128 | title=Spielplatz"A fürSmall dieWorld" globalisiertewird Highnoch Society:kleiner | trans-title="A Small World" wirdis nochgetting kleinereven -smaller Panorama| Nachrichtenfirst=Katja |language last=deBaigger |publisher work=NZZ.ch[[Neue Zürcher Zeitung]] | date=May 13, 2013 |accessdate language=2013-10-03de}}</ref><ref name="Blick.ch">{{cite webnews | url=httphttps://www.blick.ch/news/wirtschaft/tiger-woods-ist-schon-weg-facebook-fuer-reiche-mistet-aus-id2301102.html | title=Tiger Woods ist schon weg: "Facebook für Reiche" mistet aus – Wirtschaft –| Blick |languagetrans-title=deTiger Woods is already gone "Facebook for the rich" mucked out |publisher work=[[Blick.ch]] |date=2013-05-May 13, 2013 |accessdate language=2013-10-03de}}</ref> The company mappedchanged a newits strategy withto focus on a smaller network and more perks for its members. After temporarily shutting down, ASW relaunched in May 2013 with a membership model ($110 annual contribution) to allowand an advertising-free experience for its members.<ref>{{cite web|author=news | url=httphttps://www.wwd.com/mediabusiness-news/digitalmedia/a-small-world-maps-new-strategy-6927751?module=hp-topstories/ | title=A Small World Maps New Strategy -| Digitalfirst=David -| Medialast=Lipke |publisher work=WWD.com[[Women's Wear Daily]] | date=2013-05-May 10, |access-date=2013-10-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite webAV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNKLU9vvP5w | title=ASMALLWORLD CEO Sabine Heller on CNBC |first=|last=ASMALLWORLD| date=4 June 2013 |publisher via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref> In March 2013, it acquired World's Finest Club, which offers exclusive access to clubs worldwide.<ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130308005828/en/ASMALLWORLD-dateAnnounces-Acquisition-World%E2%80%99s-Finest-Club | title=22ASMALLWORLD FebruaryAnnounces Acquisition of the World's Finest Club 2019|via publisher=YouTube[[Business Wire]] | date=March 8, 2013}}</ref>▼
▲In 2009, Swiss entrepreneur and investor Patrick Liotard-Vogt purchased the controlling stake in ASMALLWORLD and became its Chairman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20091014006491/de/|title=Schweizer Unternehmer Patrick Liotard-Vogt kauft Anteile von Bob und Harvey Weinstein an ASMALLWORLD und wird größter Anteilseigner der privaten Online-Gemeinschaft|author=|date=15 October 2009|website=www.businesswire.com|accessdate=22 February 2019}}</ref> At that time, membership was in excess of 500,000 members and growing, when Sabine Heller became its CEO.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/17/business/sabine-heller-of-a-small-world-on-teaching-yourself.html | work=The New York Times | first=Adam | last=Bryant | title=Sabine Heller of A Small World, on Teaching Yourself | date=2014-01-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324493704578431161984937642 | work=The Wall Street Journal | title=The Social Networker | date=2013-04-26}}</ref>
 
In April 2013, the company purged many members from its rolls, reducing its user base from 850,000 to 250,000 members.<ref name="viptravel">{{Cite news | url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/05/13/asmallworld-travel-club/ | title="Myspace For Millionaires" ASMALLWORLD Pivots Into A $105 VIP Travel Club | first=Josh | last=Constine | work=[[TechCrunch]] | date=May 13, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.businessinsider.com/asmallworld-goes-to-subscription-model-2013-5 | title=Social Network For The Elite Is Getting Even More Exclusive | first=Julie | last=Zeveloff | work=[[Business Insider]] | date=May 13, 2013}}</ref>
▲In February 2013, ASmallWorld announced that as of March 1, 2013, it would not be accepting new members, citing an initiative to ensure the integrity of the community.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.nzz.ch/aktuell/panorama/a-small-world-wird-noch-kleiner-1.18080128 |title=Spielplatz für die globalisierte High Society: "A Small World" wird noch kleiner - Panorama Nachrichten |language=de |publisher=NZZ.ch |date= |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref><ref name="Blick.ch">{{cite web|url=http://www.blick.ch/news/wirtschaft/facebook-fuer-reiche-mistet-aus-id2301102.html |title=Tiger Woods ist schon weg: "Facebook für Reiche" mistet aus – Wirtschaft – Blick |language=de |publisher=Blick.ch |date=2013-05-13 |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref> The company mapped a new strategy with a smaller network and more perks for its members. After shutting down, ASW relaunched in May 2013 with a membership model ($110 annual contribution) to allow an advertising-free experience for its members.<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.wwd.com/media-news/digital/a-small-world-maps-new-strategy-6927751?module=hp-topstories |title=A Small World Maps New Strategy - Digital - Media |publisher=WWD.com |date=2013-05-10 |access-date=2013-10-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNKLU9vvP5w|title=ASMALLWORLD CEO Sabine Heller on CNBC|first=|last=ASMALLWORLD|date=4 June 2013|publisher=|access-date=22 February 2019|via=YouTube}}</ref>
 
On March 20, 2018, ASmallWorld AG became a [[public company]] via an [[initial public offering]] on the [[SIX Swiss Exchange]], raising CHF 18 million.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/asmallworld-ipo/asmallworld-networking-site-to-list-81-mln-shares-on-swiss-bourse-idUSZ8N1P402E | title=ASMALLWORLD networking site to list 8.1 mln shares on Swiss bourse | first=John | last=Miller | work=[[Reuters]] | date=March 15, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.six-group.com/exchanges/news/overview_en.html?id=asmallworld | title=IPO season gets off to a successful start | work=[[SIX Swiss Exchange]] | date=March 20, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/ey-news-release-strong-q1-on-ipo-market-including-switzerland/$FILE/ey-news-release-strong-q1-on-ipo-market-including-switzerland.pdf | title=Strong Q1 on IPO market - including Switzerland | first=Karin | last=Mateu | work=[[Ernst & Young]] | date=March 27, 2017}}</ref>
Today, ASmallWorld is marketing itself as the leading private international lifestyle club, whose members are internationally minded people committed to opening their lives to each other, sharing extraordinary experiences and ensuring that fellow members can live like locals wherever they go.<ref name="asw.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.asmallworld.com/|title=Belong to the world's leading lifestyle community - ASMALLWORLD|author=|date=|website=www.asmallworld.com|access-date=22 February 2019}}</ref> Membership requires an invitation from an existing member or a membership application approved by an international committee of trustees. ASMALLWORLD is active in about 150 cities around the world and offers more than 1,000 events annually<ref name="asw.com"/>
 
In September 2018, the company acquired First Class & More International.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-asmallworld-buys-first-class-more-idUSASO0007ZC | title=BRIEF-Asmallworld Buys First Class & More International | work=[[Reuters]] | date=September 25, 2018}}</ref> In February 2019, the company acquired a UK-based travel agency LuxuryBared and integrated into the ASW app and website, after having invested heavily into technology and team.<ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/eqs-adhoc-asmallworld-ag-acquires-luxurybared-a-travel-booking-platform-specialised-in-luxury-travel-1027915337 | title=EQS-Adhoc: ASMALLWORLD AG: acquires LuxuryBARED, a travel booking platform specialised in luxury travel | publisher=[[Business Insider]] | date=February 1, 2019}}</ref> In March 2019, ASW Hospitality became the [[property manager]] for the North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, [[Seychelles]], a [[Marriott International]]-branded hotel.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.hospitalitynet.org/announcement/41002522/north-island-a-luxury-collection-resort-seychelles.html | title=North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles | work=Hospitality Net | date=5 March 2019}}</ref> Dario Bertucci was named managing director of ASW Hospitality.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-asmallworld-names-dario-bertucci-m-idUSFWN20U13F | title=BRIEF-Asmallworld Names Dario Bertucci Managing Director Of ASW Hospitality | work=[[Reuters]] | date=March 8, 2019}}</ref>
▲==Membership levels ==
In order to join ASMALLWORLD, one must get an invitation from an existing member or apply for membership. Following memberships tiers are available:
 
* Access, for CHF 100: the basic membership granting access to the community
* Prestige, for CHF 5'980: for the travel savvy members, comes with 250'000 Miles & More or Etihad miles and various elite status from hotel and rent a car partners
* Signature, for CHF 25'900: comes with 1m Etihad Airways miles and various elite status from travel partners
 
==Features==
ASmallWorld is part communication platform, part service platform, for "a private international community of culturally influential people, connected by three degrees."<ref name="Anne Simpson 2014">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=60YfAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT62&dq=asmallworld&hl=de&sa=X&ei=1Q50U7X9Dau47QauioHYCA&ved=0CFsQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=asmallworld&f=false | title=The Brand Strategist's Guide to Desire: How to give consumers what they actually want | publisher=[[Palgrave Macmillan]] | author=[[Anne Simpson]] | year=2014}}</ref> The website is tailored to facilitate both online interaction and [[offline]] meetups between members.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/video/is-social-media-the-new-travel-guide-NS1F~msVSkGlcjn8t2Qigw.html |title=Is Social Media the New Travel Guide?: Video |publisher=Bloomberg |date=2013-04-24 |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref>
 
The site shares some features with other social network services, such as [[user profile]]s, an [[online calendar]] and [[private messaging]]. The site also offers over 100 "city guides" written by its members detailing and rating restaurants, bars and clubs. To facilitate meetups, ASW’s site has a “Geolocator” tool, which allows users to post travel plans as well as browse and comment on the travel plans of other members. Members can also view upcoming ASW-hosted events in different cities.<ref name="Anne Simpson 2014"/>
 
The site also allows members to buy and sell items, find potential employees and business partners, find investors or ventures to invest in, rent property, and find [[flatmate]]s. Using the site’s [[discussion board]]s, members can exchange advice on travel and business, or simply engage in conversation.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/05/13/asmallworld-travel-club/ |title="Myspace For Millionaires" ASMALLWORLD Pivots Into A $105-A-Year VIP Travel Club |publisher=TechCrunch |date=2013-05-13 |access-date=2013-10-03}}</ref>
 
In 2015, ASmallWorld launched apps for its members for the iPhone<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/asmallworld/id528252808?mt=8|title=ASMALLWORLD|author=|date=|website=App Store|accessdate=22 February 2019}}</ref> and for Android.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.asmallworld.android&hl=en|title=ASMALLWORLD - Apps on Google Play|author=|date=|website=play.google.com|access-date=22 February 2019}}</ref>
 
==Offline offerings==
 
ASmallWorld hosts about 100 events per year worldwide for members to get together, ranging from after work get togethers to gallery openings and weekends centered around experiences. The Member Privileges Programme includes benefits from luxury spas, to discounted stays in luxury hotels, including some of those in [[The Leading Hotels of the World]] group.<ref name="Anne Simpson 2014"/>
 
▲Each year over 200 members attend the Winter Weekend in [[Gstaad]], Switzerland, where members can join in [[wine tasting]]s, [[fondue]] parties, and a dinner event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000172362&__source=yahoo%7Cheadline%7Cquote%7Cvideo%7C&par=yahoo |title=Perks of Living in 'ASmallWorld' - CNBC |publisher=Video.cnbc.com |date= |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref>
 
In 2011, members donated €40,000 to a [[sex trafficking]] prevention charity run by [[Somaly Mam]]. At the 2012 Winter Weekend in Gstaad, members raised $95,000 for the [[Alzheimer's Society]]. [[Carey Mulligan]], an Ambassador for the [[Alzheimer|Society's Alzheimer’s Society]], was present.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/news_article.php?newsID=1440 |title=Carey Mulligan raises $95,000 for Alzheimer's Society at Swiss gala dinner - Alzheimer's Society |publisher=Alzheimers.org.uk |date=2012-12-18 |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref>
 
The company also offers invitations to events hosted by its partners.<ref>{{cite news|author= |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/party_animals_hG7ItPcy3FKF0OywVbbc5N |title=Party animals &#124; Page Six |newspaper=New York Post |publisher=Nypost.com |date=2013-05-14 |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref> For example, users might preview new collections from fashion designers. Members also have access to a privileges program. Here they can choose between over 500 partners offering reductions and VIP service among other things for hotels, car services, designer brands, and other lifestyle brands.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gross |first=Daniel |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/05/15/asmallworld-relaunches-as-a-travel-club-for-premier-globetrotters.html |title=ASMALLWORLD Relaunches as a Travel Club for Premier Globetrotters |publisher=The Daily Beast |date=2013-05-15 |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref>
 
The company has stated through its mobile [[iPhone]] [[Application software|app]] that they “will be extending members-only perks and benefits exclusively to ASW members” with selected partners.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/arts-entertainment/celebrity/sabine-heller-the-world-in-her-hands-1.1181576 |title=Sabine Heller: The world in her hands |publisher=GulfNews.com |date=2013-05-11 |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref>
 
==Going public in 2018==
 
ASMALLWORLD AG went public on the SIX Exchange Zurich on March 20th 2018. The symbol is SWX:ASWN. The company raised over CHF 18m in 2018 from institutional investors and increased its revenue from CHF 5.5m in 2017 to CHF 8.8m in 2018.
 
== The ASMALLWORLD Group ==
ASMALLWORLD AG is the 100% owner of following companies<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.asmallworldag.com/|title=ASMALLWORLD|website=ASMALLWORLD|access-date=2019-07-10}}</ref>:
 
* '''First Class & More''', a subscription-based smart luxury travel service that allows members to enjoy luxury travel at insider prices
* '''LuxuryBARED''', a luxury hotel booking platform offering a curated collection of the world’s best hotels and exclusive booking upgrades and privileges
* '''The World’s Finest Clubs''', a nightlife concierge that offers its members VIP access to the most exclusive nightlife venues around the world
* '''ASW Hospitality''', a hotel management company that operates the ASMALLWORLD Hotel Collection and manages the iconic North Island resort in the Seychelles
 
==See also==
* [[List of social networking websites]]
* [https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/specific_search/asmallworld Ripoff Report]
 
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
<references/>
 
==External links==
* {{Official website|httphttps://www.asmallworld.com/}}
 
[[Category:SocialSwiss social networking websites]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 2004]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange]]
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