34. Brownbook

Founders: Marc Lyne and David Ingram
Website: www.brownbook.net

Following many years in the directories industry, Marc and David realised crowd sourcing and user generated content had huge potential in their industry and could be utilised to tremendous effect. The self-titled ‘Wikipedia of the yellow pages industry’, Brownbook is an editable global business directory.

Launched in May 2008, within its first few months it launched in four countries on web and mobile, and is still enjoying rapid growth in all sectors. Currently running with 34 million businesses listed in 240 countries, it’s fair to say the site, which allows businesses to enhance their listings with text, photos, videos and widgets, is worth looking up.