With that in mind, Microsoft has not yet made a move on Upwork, which leaves the door wide open for other players to take advantage of the depressed stock price. Google has had a long interest in the recruiting world, and recently announced that it’s Google Hire software will shut down in 2020 due to its lack of traction.
Indeed, hiring is changing, and should Google take a controlling position in Upwork, that would place the search giant at the forefront of the recruiting world. Additionally Google would have a viable tool for monetizing personal name searches on its platform for the first time ever, which has been a long struggle for Google.
Should Google acquire Upwork, that would be a huge blow to Microsoft, whom has fully integrated Upwork into their suite of software services including Sharepoint. The future of hiring is Upwork, not LinkedIn or Robert Half. And with no close competitors and a depressed stock price, it certainly increases the odds for Upwork to get acquired.
DISCLOSURE: I hold a long position in Upwork and have religiously used platform for 2+ years.
