Companies Encyclopedia Entry 1779805984
Economics & Business

Companies Encyclopedia Entry 1779805984

Max Fortune
Economics & Business Editor
0 views 3 min read May 26, 2026

Companies Encyclopedia Entry 1779805984

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

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 connect, share, and interact with each other 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 to become one of the world's most influential and valuable companies. With a market capitalization of over $1 trillion, Meta Platforms, Inc. operates several leading platforms and services, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus.

Meta Platforms, Inc. has transformed the way people communicate, share information, and access online services. The company's platforms have become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide. The company's mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together.

History/Background

Meta Platforms, Inc. was founded on February 4, 2004, as a college project called "Facemash" by Mark Zuckerberg. The project was a success, and Zuckerberg was approached by his fellow students to create a social networking site exclusively for Harvard students. The site, called "Thefacebook," was launched in February 2004 and quickly gained popularity. In 2005, the company dropped "The" from its name and expanded to other colleges and universities.

In 2012, Facebook acquired Instagram, a photo and video sharing platform, for $1 billion. The acquisition marked a significant expansion of Facebook's services and user base. In 2014, Facebook acquired WhatsApp, a messaging app, for $19 billion. The acquisition further solidified Facebook's position as a leading player in the online communication space.

In 2021, Facebook rebranded itself as Meta Platforms, Inc. to reflect its expanded scope and services. The company's new name reflects its commitment to building a metaverse, a virtual world where people can interact, play, and create content.

Key Information

* Revenue: $117.93 billion (2021)
* Market Capitalization: over $1 trillion
* Employees: over 80,000
* Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, USA
* Founders: Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes
* Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Oculus

Meta Platforms, Inc. has faced several challenges and controversies over the years, including concerns over data privacy, misinformation, and online harassment. However, the company has also made significant contributions to online safety, digital literacy, and social responsibility.

Significance

Meta Platforms, Inc. has had a profound impact on modern society and the way people interact online. The company's platforms have enabled billions of people to connect, share, and access information, transforming the way we communicate, work, and live. The company's commitment to innovation, user experience, and social responsibility has made it a leader in the technology industry.

Meta Platforms, Inc. has also created new opportunities for businesses, creators, and entrepreneurs, enabling them to reach and engage with global audiences. The company's platforms have become an essential part of modern life, and its impact will continue to shape the future of online communication and interaction.

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: Creating leading online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus

TAGS: Technology, Social Media, Online Platforms, Digital Communication, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Business, Finance