This shouldn’t be a huge surprise either.  This week David posted a Technorati-focused state of things, which reads like it’s for sale or something … then came the news that T-rati was looking for a new CEO

David’s post on this is very, very interest and gives us all some insight into what is coming:

So it was at this time of great growth that I approached our Board of Directors about re-examining roles and to talk about ensuring the right people are in the right place in the company, and especially if there was someone out there who could perform the role of CEO better than I could. I’m really proud to have brought us to where we are - with nearly 10 million unique visitors per month, clearly we’re doing something right. But I put forward the question: How are we going to drive that to 100 million visitors per month and beyond? What do we need to really take us up another level? And so we’ve decided to cast our net to see if we can find an incredible, talented woman or man - someone who shares our values and our vision - who is that perfect person to take this company to that level.

I want to be clear: I don’t come to this decision lightly. I’ve thought long and hard about this and believe bringing in new blood may be the best way for us to continue to grow Technorati and to ensure the company soars to ever greater accomplishment. One more thing I want to be clear about: I adore the company I created - after my family, it’s my proudest achievement, and I have no intention of leaving. Like other founders of some of our best-known and legendary technology companies, I intend to play a vital, ongoing role here at Technorati. If anything, I expect to resume a more active role in product development, driving innovation, and listening hard to our users while giving them the best service in the business. Maybe even get in a bit of coding every now and then.
Source: Sifry’s Alerts: Embracing Change

Later in the post, David says they are looking for someone to lead them into and through and IPO.  IPO, now that is interesting.  When Jim and I were chatting earlier I was just guessing an investment round might be coming.  I think David deserves tremendous kudos for seeing when it’s important for the company to grow and that he needs another person to do it.

So, a T-rati IPO … maybe a new round of financing … maybe the lead up to a purchase in about six months?  I think time will tell, but as one of the keepers of the blogosphere catalog, it will certainly be interesting.