LookSmart? Look Elsewhere...

LookSmart Founder Evan Thornley

The original Aussie search engine, LookSmart will be delisted from the Australian Securities Exchange next month, completing the company's withdrawal from Australia.

Many of the biggest names in the Australian search started their careers at LookSmart, which was once valued at US$7b but is now worth less than US$80m. It will remain listed on the Nasdaq, where it has been publicly traded since 1999.

LookSmart has withdrawn from all markets apart from North America, where it has not turned in a net profit since 2003. Chief Executive and President, David Hills, resigned in early August and has been replaced by Ted West.

Founder Evan Thornley, who started LookSmart with his wife Tracey and made a fortune out of listing it, returned home five years is now a Victorian Labor politician. A Malcolm Turnbull of the Left.

Search Engine Room: September 2, 2007