HomeStars corporate history: founded 2006 Toronto by Nancy Peterson; acquired by HomeAdvisor (IAC) Feb 2017; Peterson stepped down July 2020; Angi Inc. spun off from IAC March 31, 2025
Claim — founding: HomeStars was founded in 2006 in Toronto by Nancy Peterson, growing from a kitchen-table review forum into Canada's largest contractor-review marketplace.
Sources: Wikipedia; Canadian Contractor; Peterson's published bio. Confidence: Verified.
Acquisition and Angi rebranding
- February 2017: HomeAdvisor (then a unit of IAC) acquired HomeStars
- Later 2017: HomeAdvisor + Angie's List combined to form ANGI Homeservices Inc.
- 2021: Rebranded to Angi Inc.
- July 2020: Peterson stepped down as CEO; replaced by co-GMs Megan Oldfield and Shir Magen
Sources: IAC press release; Newswire.ca July 2020. Confidence: Verified.
The 2025 spinoff and current segment structure
On March 31, 2025, Angi Inc. spun off from IAC, becoming an independent NASDAQ-listed public company (ANGI).
Source: Angi FY2025 10-K, filed February 2026. Confidence: Verified.
As of FY2025, Angi operates two reporting segments: U.S. and International. HomeStars (Canada) sits inside International, alongside the Instapro Group European brands:
- MyBuilder (UK)
- MyHammer (Germany)
- Travaux (France)
- Werkspot / Instapro (Netherlands, Italy)
Source: Angi FY2025 10-K, Item 1. Confidence: Verified.
HomeStars is still inside Angi as of 2026 — NOT divested
The platform has been operationally rebuilt (see HomeStars Canadian restructuring Sept 10, 2024: "significant portion" of workforce laid off; FY2025 10-K confirms transition to "more profitable self-serve platform") but not sold off. Anyone speculating about a HomeStars spinoff or shutdown should distinguish between operational restructuring (happening) and corporate divestiture (not happening, as of May 2026).