LookSmart is a US based company.

Their UK presence was a joint venture with BT, known as BTLookSmart. They pulled out of the venture in December 2002, at some cost to themselves.

Until recently, LookSmart were a powerhouse provider of traffic, both in their own right, and due to their excellent relationships with other search sites (MSN and iWon in particular), however the US arm of the business has changed from its paid directory model to a pay-per-click model, similar to Overture.

This has caused considerable upheaval amongst LookSmart US customers, and it remains to be seen what the final reaction will be.

Database

LookSmart uses Inktomi Web Site results as a filler where their own directory is thin.

Directory

As well as their own results they also have a non-commercial directory called Zeal, which is volunteer run, and is for non-promotional, non-profit sites. Sites added to Zeal make their way into the main LookSmart directory.

Paid Listings

They display paid listings as "featured listings", a mixture of their sponsors, partners, and various other PPC listings.