XING career network

XING is a leading professional social network focused on the European market, particularly within the DACH region which includes Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Originally launched in 2003 as OpenBC, the platform was founded in Hamburg, Germany, by Lars Hinrichs. It was one of the first professional networking sites to go public, achieving its IPO in 2006.

The service is developed and maintained primarily in Germany. Its primary function is to facilitate business networking, job hunting, and recruitment through a digital ecosystem of profiles, groups, and event management tools. XING distinguishes itself by tailoring its features to local European labor laws and professional cultures.

In 2012, Burda Digital GmbH, a subsidiary of the media conglomerate Hubert Burda Media, acquired a majority stake in the company. Since then, the brand has operated under the corporate umbrella of New Work SE. Today, it remains a cornerstone of the German digital economy, providing critical infrastructure for the modern workforce and recruitment industry.