The world of technology and business is filled every year with new promising start-ups, whose developments make different areas of our lives much easier. Today we will look at the success stories of several niche leaders, who at one time started out with a simple idea and a belief in success.
Amazon
The company was founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos and started out as an online bookstore. The American project was originally called Cadabra, and a few months later it was replaced by Amazon, which is familiar to today’s consumers. Over time, the company significantly expanded its range to include products from various categories:
- electronics;
- clothes;
- foodstuffs.
Amazon is now the world’s largest online retailer and one of Walmart’s main competitors, widely known in the US. Amazon’s monthly marketplace audience reaches almost 2.5 billion users worldwide. For example, in the US market alone, the number of active consumers exceeds 143 million people.
Amazon is also the world’s largest cloud provider, providing Amazon Web Services (AWS) to more than 1 million customers.
Another start-up that has entered the daily lives of many internet users. It was founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, who was studying at Harvard University at the time. At first, the site was used for communication between students, but over time it has become the largest social network – as of December 2022, Facebook’s audience was 2.96 billion users.
Today the project is owned by Meta Platforms, led by the same Mark Zuckerberg, and not only provides an opportunity to communicate with friends, but is also an important tool for business. The company provides advertising services that help other entrepreneurs market their offerings.
Meta Platforms also includes new products and apps: Instagram and WhatsApp, they are also the biggest in their field.
The technology company came into being in 1998 thanks to two Stanford students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, as their joint research project in the form of an internet search engine.
Google today is not just a search engine, it’s a whole ecosystem of products that:
- develops software such as the Android operating system, Chrome browser, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Drive;
- owns the world’s largest video hosting platform, YouTube;
- is working on artificial intelligence and other technologies that keep it at the forefront of its industry.
Google has topped the Top 100 Employers in the US several times. Not surprisingly, many young minds seek a position at a successful company, and this despite a serious, multi-level selection process.
Apple
The American corporation now known for its gadgets was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. The first 200 computers for the home were assembled and sold by the young enthusiasts to local Californians without outside funding, and only then did they enlist outside support.
Over time, the founders expanded the product range and started producing devices such as the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Today, Apple is one of the leaders in the technology industry and sells its products all over the world.
Apple’s start-up ideas are not limited to technology; special attention is also paid to design. The company is known for its ergonomic devices, which are not only functional but also attractive in appearance. Additionally, Apple develops software such as the iOS operating system and the iTunes and Apple Music apps.
Airbnb
The online marketplace for finding short-term rentals and booking accommodation around the world was founded in 2008 by Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia. Users of Airbnb’s services can rent out part of their flat, their house, or their entire home to travellers. The site serves as a platform for secure communication between host and guest, and takes responsibility for processing transactions between them, earning commissions on both sides.
Airbnb allows people to rent accommodation anywhere in the world, making it popular among travellers; over the years, the community has brought together more than 150 million people. The company has evolved and now provides an additional service: booking tours and excursions in various cities around the world under the Airbnb Experiences brand.
Uber
The youngest start-up to break into the transport industry was founded in 2009 by Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick. That same year saw the launch of their eponymous taxi app, which allows people to call a car from their smartphone. Today, Uber’s services are available in more than 76 countries and allow people to get around the city quickly and conveniently, making it popular with commuters.
The company also provides an opportunity to earn money for drivers who can connect to the taxi platform and start working at their convenience. The project is developing new services, such as Uber Eats, which allows users to order food from different restaurants in the city.
The aforementioned start-up projects, have changed our lives as they continue to develop and expand their services. By their example, they show how important it is to be innovative and adapt to rapidly changing market conditions. These companies are inspiring many entrepreneurs around the world now and will surely continue to do so and change the world in the future.