Instagram: Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger
Instagram was co-founded by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger in 2010. Initially launched as a photo-sharing app called Burbn, the platform quickly gained popularity. Systrom focused on product vision, while Krieger brought engineering expertise. Facebook acquired Instagram in 2012 for approximately $1 billion.
Tesla: Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning
Tesla Motors was founded in 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning with the goal of proving that electric cars could deliver performance and innovation. Elon Musk joined later as an early investor and chairman, eventually becoming the company’s CEO and most prominent figure.
WhatsApp: Jan Koum and Brian Acton
Jan Koum and Brian Acton founded WhatsApp in 2009 after leaving Yahoo. Koum developed the idea for a simple messaging service, and Acton helped build the company. Facebook acquired WhatsApp in 2014 in a deal valued at approximately $19 billion.
X (formerly Twitter): Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams
Twitter was created in 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams. Dorsey proposed the original short-message concept. Elon Musk acquired Twitter in 2022 and renamed it X.
Google: Larry Page and Sergey Brin
Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded Google after meeting at Stanford University. They developed a search engine initially known as BackRub, using their breakthrough PageRank system to organize web information. Google was incorporated in 1998.
Microsoft: Bill Gates and Paul Allen
Bill Gates and Paul Allen co-founded Microsoft in 1975 after developing software for the Altair 8800 personal computer. Gates became the dominant public figure, but Allen played a crucial role in early technical development and business formation.
Apple: Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne
Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. Wozniak designed the early computers, Jobs focused on product vision and business, and Wayne helped with documentation and early operations. Wayne left the company shortly after its founding.