Companies Encyclopedia Entry 1776565271
Economics & Business

Companies Encyclopedia Entry 1776565271

Max Fortune
Economics & Business Editor
1 views 3 min read May 8, 2026

Companies Encyclopedia Entry 1776565271

Summary: This comprehensive encyclopedia entry provides an in-depth look at the history, key information, and significance of a prominent company in the global market.

CONTENT

Overview

Company Name: Meta Platforms, Inc. (previously Facebook, Inc.)

Meta Platforms, Inc. is a multinational technology and online social media company that has revolutionized the way people interact, communicate, and access information online. Founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, along with his college roommates and fellow Harvard University students Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes, the company has grown exponentially to become one of the world's largest and most influential technology companies.

Meta Platforms, Inc. is known for its flagship product, Facebook, a social networking platform that allows users to create profiles, connect with friends and family, and share content. The company has also developed other popular products and services, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus VR. With a market capitalization of over $1 trillion, Meta Platforms, Inc. is a leader in the global technology industry.

History/Background

Meta Platforms, Inc. was founded on February 4, 2004, as Thefacebook, a social networking platform exclusively for Harvard University students. The site quickly gained popularity, and within a month, it expanded to other colleges and universities in the United States. In 2005, the company dropped "The" from its name and became Facebook, Inc.

In 2012, Facebook went public with an initial public offering (IPO) that raised $16 billion, making it one of the largest tech IPOs in history. The company continued to expand its product offerings, acquiring Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. In 2021, Facebook, Inc. rebranded itself as Meta Platforms, Inc., reflecting its expanded focus on virtual reality and other emerging technologies.

Key Information

Key Facts:

- Revenue: $117.9 billion (2021)
- Net Income: $29.1 billion (2021)
- Employees: over 80,000 (2022)
- Products: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Oculus VR, Portal, and more
- Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, USA

Awards and Recognition:

- Fortune 500: ranked #4 (2022)
- Forbes Global 2000: ranked #5 (2022)
- Glassdoor Best Places to Work: ranked #10 (2022)

Significance

Meta Platforms, Inc. has had a profound impact on modern society, transforming the way people communicate, access information, and interact with each other online. The company's products and services have become an integral part of daily life, with billions of users worldwide.

The company's influence extends beyond its products, with significant implications for society, politics, and culture. Meta Platforms, Inc. has been at the center of numerous controversies and debates, including concerns over data privacy, misinformation, and the spread of hate speech.

Despite these challenges, Meta Platforms, Inc. remains a leader in the global technology industry, driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the digital age.

INFOBOX:

- Name: Meta Platforms, Inc.
- Type: Technology and online social media company
- Date: Founded on February 4, 2004
- Location: Menlo Park, California, USA
- Known For: Developing Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus VR

TAGS: Technology, Social Media, Online Platforms, E-commerce, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Innovation, Digital Age.