Facebook acquires e-mail prioritizer MailRank

Facebook has acquired MailRank, a startup that focused on prioritizing e-mail. MailRank has just two employees: co-founders Bryan O'Sullivan and Bethanye McKinney Blount. Before starting MailRank, both worked as engineering directors for Linden Lab, the maker of the virtual world Second Life. Financial details were not disclosed, but Facebook did say it will not acquire technology or other assets from the small company.

"We're thrilled to announce that MailRank's co-founders will be joining Facebook in December," a MailRank spokesperson said in a statement. "The past year has been a wonderful journey, and we thank everyone who has helped and supported us along the way: our test users, investors, advisors, friends, and families. You have our sincerest gratitude. Now off to a new adventure!"

The point of MailRank is prioritize e-mail so that the user can focus on the content that really matters. The company described itself as a "solution to the problem of e-mail overload" via "hands-free prioritization without complicated configuration and rules." The private beta of MailRank for Outlook will be discontinued as the two employees begin to focus solely on Facebook.

"We're happy to confirm that we've hired Bryan O'Sullivan and Bethanye Blount, the co-founders of MailRank," a Facebook spokesperson said in a statement, "Both have stellar track records as engineers and entrepreneurs, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them to Facebook in December."

At the social networking giant, the duo will be working with a first-class team on their "favorite types of technology problems." Although more details weren't given, I would not be surprised if the two end up sprucing up Facebook's various messaging services.

See also:

• Facebook acquires interactive iPad book maker Push Pop Press (and then Facebook releases Apple iPad app, finally)
• Facebook acquires feature phone app maker Snaptu (and then Facebook launches Facebook for Every Phone app)
• Facebook acquires Beluga, a BBM alternative (and then Facebook launches Facebook Messenger app for Android, iPhone)
• Facebook acquires Q&A service Friend.ly
• Facebook acquires photo, video app maker Digital Staircase
• Facebook acquires HTML5 apps platform developer Strobe