Kevin P. Ryan, the co-founder of DoubleClick, along with Dwight Merriman, launched Business Insider as a response to a growing need for more accessible financial news online. The site aimed to serve readers who were tired of the slow-moving, overly complex articles found in traditional outlets like The Wall Street Journal or The Financial Times. Business Insider’s approach would be different: fast, fun, and focused on making business news approachable to both industry professionals and everyday readers.

Crucially, in 2007, Business Insider brought on board Henry Blodget, a former Wall Street analyst with a controversial past. Blodget had been banned from the securities industry in 2003 following accusations of misleading investors, but his financial insight and sharp journalistic instincts made him the perfect fit to lead the editorial vision of Business Insider. With Blodget as editor-in-chief, the platform gained a distinctive voice—bold, direct, and unafraid to take risks.

By 2009, Business Insider had begun to find its audience, thanks in large part to its sharp focus on a digital-first strategy. Unlike traditional newspapers, which were struggling to transition from print to online, Business Insider was built for the web from the ground up. The site’s reporting style emphasized short, digestible articles and eye-catching headlines designed for maximum online engagement.

Blodget’s leadership was pivotal during this period. His Wall Street experience gave the platform an edge in reporting on financial markets, but he also understood the importance of expanding beyond just finance. Under his guidance, Business Insider began publishing stories on a wide range of topics, from technology and politics to lifestyle trends, creating a more diverse readership.

By 2011, Business Insider had grown rapidly in both readership and influence. Its distinctive mix of business, tech, and general news reporting made it a go-to source for readers looking for a faster, more dynamic alternative to traditional media. This was the year the platform really started making waves in the tech industry, thanks to its extensive coverage of companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook.

The site's focus on speed and breaking news was a major part of its appeal. Business Insider was quick to seize on trending stories, often reporting on major developments faster than larger outlets. This real-time reporting style helped the site grow its audience exponentially, particularly among tech enthusiasts and professionals who wanted to stay ahead of the curve.

As Business Insider gained momentum, it began to experiment with new ways to monetize its growing readership. In 2013, the platform introduced Business Insider Prime, a subscription service offering exclusive articles, deeper insights, and behind-the-scenes reporting. The move toward paid content reflected a broader trend in digital media, as many outlets struggled to sustain advertising-based revenue models.

While Business Insider continued to rely heavily on digital ads, BI Prime gave the platform a way to offer premium content without alienating its core, free readership. The subscription model also helped differentiate Business Insider from competitors, who were often slower to adopt paid content strategies.

By 2014, Business Insider had firmly established itself as a leader in digital media. Its traffic had exploded, thanks to its mix of real-time news, shareable content, and a knack for viral stories. The site was attracting tens of millions of visitors monthly and had become a key player in the business news space.

This growth was supported by a forward-thinking approach to social media. Business Insider was one of the first major news outlets to truly embrace platforms like Facebook and Twitter as distribution channels, using these networks to drive traffic and engage with readers directly. Its success on social media helped boost brand awareness and solidified its reputation as a digital disruptor.

One of the most pivotal moments in Business Insider’s history came in 2015 when it was acquired by Axel Springer, a German digital publishing giant, in a deal valued at $450 million. This acquisition allowed the site to expand its international footprint significantly. With the backing of one of Europe’s largest publishers, Insider launched several global editions, taking its unique brand of journalism to new markets across the world.

In 2017, Insider dropped the “Business” from its name, officially rebranding as Insider, reflecting its broader editorial focus. The shift was driven by the platform’s increasingly diversified content, which now included politics, science, lifestyle, and entertainment, alongside its core business news. Insider also began investing heavily in video content, becoming a major player in online video journalism with billions of views across social platforms.

By 2020, Insider had grown into a global media powerhouse, with over 700 employees, including a large team of international reporters. Its reach expanded to more than 100 million monthly visitors, making it one of the largest digital media outlets in the world. It also launched Insider Intelligence, a research arm focused on providing insights on digital transformation and global industries, further solidifying its position as a leader in business analysis and research.