Companies Encyclopedia Entry 1776656284
Economics & Business

Companies Encyclopedia Entry 1776656284

Max Fortune
Economics & Business Editor
3 views 3 min read Jun 30, 2026

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Overview

Company Name: Meta Platforms, Inc.

Meta Platforms, Inc., commonly referred to as Meta, is a multinational technology and online social media conglomerate. The company is headquartered in Menlo Park, California, and is one of the world's largest and most influential technology companies. Meta's primary focus is on developing and operating a range of innovative products and services, including social media platforms, online advertising, and virtual reality technologies.

Meta's origins date back to 2004, when Mark Zuckerberg, along with his college roommates and fellow Harvard University students Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes, launched a social networking site called "Thefacebook." The site quickly gained popularity and eventually became one of the most widely used social media platforms in the world. Over the years, Meta has expanded its product offerings to include Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus VR, among others.

History/Background

Meta's history can be divided into several key stages:

* 2004: Mark Zuckerberg launches "Thefacebook" with his college roommates.
* 2005: Thefacebook is renamed Facebook, and the company begins to expand its user base.
* 2012: Facebook acquires Instagram, a photo and video sharing platform, for $1 billion.
* 2014: Facebook acquires WhatsApp, a messaging app, for $19 billion.
* 2019: Facebook rebrands itself as Meta Platforms, Inc., and announces plans to expand its focus beyond social media to include virtual reality and other emerging technologies.

Key Information

Some of the most important facts and achievements about Meta include:

* User base: Meta has over 3.7 billion monthly active users across its various platforms.
* Revenue: Meta generates over $85 billion in annual revenue, making it one of the largest technology companies in the world.
* Market value: Meta's market capitalization is over $800 billion, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world.
* Innovation: Meta has developed several innovative technologies, including the Oculus VR headset and the Meta Quest virtual reality platform.

Significance

Meta's significance extends far beyond its financial success and user base. The company has had a profound impact on modern society, shaping the way people communicate, interact, and access information. Meta's products and services have also raised important questions about data privacy, online security, and the role of technology in society.

INFOBOX:

- Name: Meta Platforms, Inc.
- Type: Technology and online social media conglomerate
- Date: Founded in 2004
- Location: Menlo Park, California
- Known For: Developing and operating a range of innovative products and services, including social media platforms, online advertising, and virtual reality technologies.

TAGS: Technology, Social Media, Online Advertising, Virtual Reality, Data Privacy, Online Security, Innovation, Market Capitalization.