Do you know how long Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and all the other major tech companies have been around? Some of these companies are literally older than many of us.
The tech industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Major tech companies have made significant contributions to the world of technology, and their impact can be seen in various areas of our lives.
In this article, we will be looking at some of the tech major companies that run the tech industry as well as the year they were founded.
1. Microsoft: 1975, 48 years
Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975. The company started as a small software company, producing programming languages for the Altair 8800.
Today, Microsoft is one of the largest tech companies in the world, producing a range of products such as Windows, Microsoft Office, Xbox, and more. Microsoft recently made attempts to even acquire Activision Blizzard.
2. Apple: 1976, 47 years
Apple was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in 1976. The company started with the production of the Apple I, a computer that was designed and hand-built by Steve Wozniak.
Since then, Apple has become one of the largest tech companies in the world, producing a range of products such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more. The company is on the verge of releasing its latest iPhone version very soon which is the iPhone 15.
3. Amazon: 1994, 29 years
If you have no idea what to remember Amazon with, there is Alexa as well as Amazon Astro. These are just some of the things you can identify the company with besides the online shopping platform.
Amazon was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994. The company started as an online bookstore, but today, it is one of the largest tech companies in the world, producing a range of products such as Amazon Prime, Amazon Web Services, and even high-tech smart home devices.
4. Yahoo: 1995, 28 years
Yahoo was founded by Jerry Yang and David Filo in 1994 and incorporated a year after. The company started as a search engine and portal, but it quickly expanded its offerings to include email, news, finance, and more. It still has one of the best News Apps.
At its peak, Yahoo was one of the largest tech companies in the world, but it faced tough competition from Google and struggled to adapt to the rise of mobile devices. In 2016, Yahoo was acquired by Verizon Communications for $4.48 billion. Despite its challenges, Yahoo’s impact on the early days of the internet cannot be understated.
5. Netflix: 1997, 26 years
Netflix was founded by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in 1997. The company started as a DVD rental-by-mail service, but it quickly adapted to the rise of streaming technology and began offering online streaming of TV shows and movies.
Today, Netflix is one of the largest tech companies in the world, producing original content such as Stranger Things, The Crown, and more, in addition to its extensive library of licensed content. Netflix has disrupted the traditional entertainment industry and changed the way we consume media. Currently, the company has one of the best apps for streaming movies online.
6. Google: 1998, 25 years
Google was founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998. The company started as a search engine, but today, it is one of the largest tech companies in the world, producing a range of products such as Google Chrome, Android, YouTube, and more.
There are people out there these days that might even think Google is the internet. The company boasts one of the best cloud platforms on the internet for web developers, businesses, and regular users.
7. Facebook: 2004,19 years
Facebook was founded by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004. The company started as a social networking website for college students, but today, it is one of the largest tech companies in the world, producing a range of products such as Facebook Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, and more.
Facebook Ads Manager has also become one of the biggest tools for online marketers. Making sales has never been easy without this tool.
8. Twitter: 2006, 17 years
Twitter was founded by Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams in 2006. The platform started as a microblogging site, allowing users to share short updates known as tweets.
Today, Twitter has over 300 million active users and has become a major platform for news, communication, and marketing. It has played a significant role in shaping public discourse and has been used to organize protests, amplify marginalized voices, and connect people from around the world.
Despite facing criticism for its role in spreading misinformation and hate speech, Twitter remains one of the largest and most influential tech companies in the world.
9. Uber: 2009, 14 years
Uber was founded by Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp in 2009. The company started as a ride-hailing service, but today, it is one of the largest tech companies in the world.
The company is in charge of producing a range of products such as Uber Eats, Uber Freight, and more.
10. WhatsApp: 2009, 14 years
WhatsApp was founded by Jan Koum and Brian Acton in 2009. The app started as a simple messaging platform, allowing users to send texts, photos, and videos to each other for free over the Internet. Today, WhatsApp has over 2 billion active users and is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world.
It has also been a major disruptor in the telecommunications industry. It allows people to stay connected with friends and family around the globe without having to pay for traditional phone calls or text messages. In 2014, WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook for $19 billion, making it one of the largest tech acquisitions in history.
11. Instagram: 2010, 13 years
Most people think Instagram was founded by Facebook founders but that is not the case. Instagram was founded by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger in 2010. The app started as a photo-sharing platform, allowing users to upload and edit photos using a variety of filters and tools.
Today, Instagram has over 1 billion active users and has expanded to include video, messaging, and shopping features. It has become a major platform for influencers, businesses, and creators to showcase their content and connect with their audiences.
Instagram has also played a significant role in shaping modern culture, influencing everything –from fashion and beauty trends to the way we travel and eat.
In 2012, Instagram was acquired by Facebook for $1 billion, also solidifying its position as one of the most influential tech companies in the world.
12. Snapchat: 2011, 12 years
Snapchat was founded by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown in 2011. The app started as a photo and video messaging platform. It allows users to send messages that would disappear after being viewed.
Today, Snapchat has over 280 million active users and has expanded to include filters, lenses, and augmented reality experiences. It has also become a major platform for young people, with over 90% of its users under the age of 35.
Snapchat has also been a major disruptor in the advertising industry. That is because its vertical video ads and sponsored filters becoming increasingly popular among advertisers.