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Well-known companies founded the year you were born

Now simply known as Dunkin’, the brand formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts was born in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts. The first franchise of these colorful coffee and donut shops opened in 1955, and there are now more than 12,000 locations worldwide.
(Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

Well-known companies founded the year you were born

By Kaitlin Miller, Tribune Content Agency
Jun 25, 2021
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Certain businesses have become so successful that they are household names across the country. While they might be staples in the average American’s everyday life, these companies might be much older — or much younger — than you realize. Here are the biggest, most recognizable brands founded each year, starting back in 1950.
(Kaitlin Miller, Tribune Content Agency)
1950: Dunkin’
Now simply known as Dunkin’, the brand formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts was born in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts. The first franchise of these colorful coffee and donut shops opened in 1955, and there are now more than 12,000 locations worldwide.
Now simply known as Dunkin’, the brand formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts was born in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts. The first franchise of these colorful coffee and donut shops opened in 1955, and there are now more than 12,000 locations worldwide. (Tim Boyle/Getty Images)
1951: Texas Instruments
In 1951, the company Geophysical Service, Inc., was reorganized and renamed Texas Instruments. This major electronics manufacturer makes more than 80,000 products but is perhaps best known for its line of TI graphing calculators used by students from middle school through college.
In 1951, the company Geophysical Service, Inc., was reorganized and renamed Texas Instruments. This major electronics manufacturer makes more than 80,000 products but is perhaps best known for its line of TI graphing calculators used by students from middle school through college. (Wellesenterprises/Dreamstime)
1952: Holiday Inn
The first Holiday Inn hotel was built in 1952 in Memphis, Tennessee, taking its name from the 1942 Bing Crosby film of the same name. The next year, three more opened. Today, there are Holiday Inns in every state and in more than 50 countries around the world. The chain also pioneered the first online hotel reservation system.
The first Holiday Inn hotel was built in 1952 in Memphis, Tennessee, taking its name from the 1942 Bing Crosby film of the same name. The next year, three more opened. Today, there are Holiday Inns in every state and in more than 50 countries around the world. The chain also pioneered the first online hotel reservation system. (Tomnex/Dreamstime)
1953: Epic Records
Epic Records was established in 1953 as a jazz and classical label, but became a powerhouse in the ‘70s and ‘80s with influential rock, pop and R&B acts such as Cheap Trick, Boston, George Michael and Michael Jackson.
Epic Records was established in 1953 as a jazz and classical label, but became a powerhouse in the ‘70s and ‘80s with influential rock, pop and R&B acts such as Cheap Trick, Boston, George Michael and Michael Jackson. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
1954: Burger King
Burger King, the second-largest fast food hamburger chain in the world, got its start in 1954 in Miami, Florida. The company sold its first franchise in 1959 and today, more than 11 million a day around the world visit a Burger King.
Burger King, the second-largest fast food hamburger chain in the world, got its start in 1954 in Miami, Florida. The company sold its first franchise in 1959 and today, more than 11 million a day around the world visit a Burger King. (Tea/Dreamstime)
1955: McDonald’s
In 1955, Ray Kroc founded McDonald’s System, Inc., a predecessor to the McDonald’s Corporation. By 1958, McDonald’s had sold a million hamburgers. Today, there are more than 36,000 McDonald’s restaurants around the world in more than 100 different countries.
In 1955, Ray Kroc founded McDonald’s System, Inc., a predecessor to the McDonald’s Corporation. By 1958, McDonald’s had sold a million hamburgers. Today, there are more than 36,000 McDonald’s restaurants around the world in more than 100 different countries. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
1956: Williams Sonoma
In 1956, Chuck Williams founded a French cookware store in Sonoma, California. Today, there are Williams-Sonoma stores selling kitchen and home products across the U.S., Canada, Australia and the U.K.
In 1956, Chuck Williams founded a French cookware store in Sonoma, California. Today, there are Williams-Sonoma stores selling kitchen and home products across the U.S., Canada, Australia and the U.K. (Jetcityimage/Dreamstime)
1957: O'Reilly Auto Parts
Founded by a father and son in Springfield, Missouri, in 1957, O’Reilly Auto Parts has grown to a business with almost 5,600 stores across 47 states.
Founded by a father and son in Springfield, Missouri, in 1957, O’Reilly Auto Parts has grown to a business with almost 5,600 stores across 47 states. (Wolterk/Dreamstime)
1958: Visa
The Diners Club Card was created in 1950, becoming the first credit card in widespread use. However, just a few years later, the company that would be Visa entered the scene. In 1958, Bank of America launched its BankAmericard, the first credit card with a “revolving credit” feature. In 1976, the card’s name was changed to Visa, and today, Visa is the most popular credit card network with 340 million cards in circulation, according to WalletHub.
The Diners Club Card was created in 1950, becoming the first credit card in widespread use. However, just a few years later, the company that would be Visa entered the scene. In 1958, Bank of America launched its BankAmericard, the first credit card with a “revolving credit” feature. In 1976, the card’s name was changed to Visa, and today, Visa is the most popular credit card network with 340 million cards in circulation, according to WalletHub. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
1959: Conair
Hair products brand Conair was founded in 1959 in a garage in Queens, New York. The brand helped popularize the pistol-grip hair dryer in the 1960s. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the country's largest privately held companies, producing personal care products, kitchen appliances and more.
Hair products brand Conair was founded in 1959 in a garage in Queens, New York. The brand helped popularize the pistol-grip hair dryer in the 1960s. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the country's largest privately held companies, producing personal care products, kitchen appliances and more. (Brian Ach)
1960: Domino’s
Pizza delivery giant Domino’s had humble beginnings with just one pizza shop. In 1960, two brothers borrowed $900 to buy "DomiNick's” in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In 1965, the business was renamed Domino’s, and two years later, the first franchise opened. Today, there are more than 17,000 Domino’s Pizza locations around the world and it is the largest pizza company in the world based on global retail sales.
Pizza delivery giant Domino’s had humble beginnings with just one pizza shop. In 1960, two brothers borrowed $900 to buy "DomiNick's” in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In 1965, the business was renamed Domino’s, and two years later, the first franchise opened. Today, there are more than 17,000 Domino’s Pizza locations around the world and it is the largest pizza company in the world based on global retail sales. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
1961: Four Seasons
The first Four Seasons hotel opened in 1961 in downtown Toronto, Canada. In the 1970s, the company expanded first to London and then to Washington, D.C. Today, there are more than 100 Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts in over 45 countries.
The first Four Seasons hotel opened in 1961 in downtown Toronto, Canada. In the 1970s, the company expanded first to London and then to Washington, D.C. Today, there are more than 100 Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts in over 45 countries. (Wirepec/Dreamstime)
1962: Walmart
In 1962, Sam Walton opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas. The company went public in 1970, and as of 2015, Walmart serves more than 200 million customers each week at more than 11,000 stores in 27 countries.
In 1962, Sam Walton opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas. The company went public in 1970, and as of 2015, Walmart serves more than 200 million customers each week at more than 11,000 stores in 27 countries. (ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
1963: CVS
CVS, which stands for Consumer Value Stores, was founded in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1963 and sold health and beauty products. By the next year, the chain had grown to 17 stores. Today, there are more than 9,900 CVS retail locations in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
CVS, which stands for Consumer Value Stores, was founded in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1963 and sold health and beauty products. By the next year, the chain had grown to 17 stores. Today, there are more than 9,900 CVS retail locations in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. (Pressfoto/Dreamstime)
1964: Nike
Nike was founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports by Bill Bowerman, a track-and-field coach at the University of Oregon, and his former student Phil Knight. Bowerman filed his first patent for a running shoe in 1974 after making a prototype with his wife’s waffle iron. Today, Nike's revenues top $37 billion, according to Forbes.
Nike was founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports by Bill Bowerman, a track-and-field coach at the University of Oregon, and his former student Phil Knight. Bowerman filed his first patent for a running shoe in 1974 after making a prototype with his wife’s waffle iron. Today, Nike's revenues top $37 billion, according to Forbes. (Shanliangdigital/Dreamstime)
1965: Dolby
Dolby Laboratories was founded in 1965 by audio engineer Ray Dolby. The company pioneered audio-processing systems that eliminate background noise, which debuted on the soundtrack of the 1971 hit movie "A Clockwork Orange." The famous Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles is named after the company, which today has more than 2,200 employees in more than 20 countries.
Dolby Laboratories was founded in 1965 by audio engineer Ray Dolby. The company pioneered audio-processing systems that eliminate background noise, which debuted on the soundtrack of the 1971 hit movie "A Clockwork Orange." The famous Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles is named after the company, which today has more than 2,200 employees in more than 20 countries. (Jcamilobernal/Dreamstime)
1966: Best Buy
Best Buy began in 1966 as a small store in St. Paul, Minnesota, called Sound of Music that sold stereos, speakers and records. Sound of Music expanded as a chain before the company opened the first Best Buy superstore in 1983. Today, Best Buy is a nearly $40 billion company.
Best Buy began in 1966 as a small store in St. Paul, Minnesota, called Sound of Music that sold stereos, speakers and records. Sound of Music expanded as a chain before the company opened the first Best Buy superstore in 1983. Today, Best Buy is a nearly $40 billion company. (Niloo138/Dreamstime)
1967: Southwest Airlines
The concept for Southwest Airlines was developed in a bar in San Antonio. A year later in 1967, Air Southwest Company was founded. The company was originally envisioned as a commuter service between Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Today, Southwest Airlines serves more than 100 different locations.
The concept for Southwest Airlines was developed in a bar in San Antonio. A year later in 1967, Air Southwest Company was founded. The company was originally envisioned as a commuter service between Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Today, Southwest Airlines serves more than 100 different locations. (Ajdibilio/Dreamstime)
1968: Royal Caribbean
Founded in 1968 by three Norwegian ship owners, cruise line Royal Caribbean now offers itineraries to more than 270 destinations on six continents and is home to six of the world’s largest cruise ships.
Founded in 1968 by three Norwegian ship owners, cruise line Royal Caribbean now offers itineraries to more than 270 destinations on six continents and is home to six of the world’s largest cruise ships. (Pressfoto/Dreamstime)
1969: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
The first Cracker Barrel opened in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee. Since then, the chain has expanded across the country, reaching the West Coast in 2018. Today, there are more than 660 restaurants in 24 states.
The first Cracker Barrel opened in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee. Since then, the chain has expanded across the country, reaching the West Coast in 2018. Today, there are more than 660 restaurants in 24 states. (Madvideos/Dreamstime)
1970: Freddie Mac
Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 as a private company to work in tandem with Fannie Mae, which was created in 1938 as part of an amendment to the National Housing Act. The pair of companies help ensure a reliable and affordable supply of mortgage funds throughout the country.
Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 as a private company to work in tandem with Fannie Mae, which was created in 1938 as part of an amendment to the National Housing Act. The pair of companies help ensure a reliable and affordable supply of mortgage funds throughout the country. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
1971: Starbucks
Starbucks opened its first store in Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market in 1971. Today, Starbucks is the world’s largest coffeehouse chain. As of 2015, there are more than 22,000 Starbucks stores around the world.
Starbucks opened its first store in Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market in 1971. Today, Starbucks is the world’s largest coffeehouse chain. As of 2015, there are more than 22,000 Starbucks stores around the world. (Stephen Chernin/Getty Images)
1972: Atari
Atari, which pioneered home video game systems, was founded in 1972 and launched its first console in 1977. Today, Atari owns and manages more than 200 games, including its classics such as “Pong” and “Centipede.”
Atari, which pioneered home video game systems, was founded in 1972 and launched its first console in 1977. Today, Atari owns and manages more than 200 games, including its classics such as “Pong” and “Centipede.” (Tixtis/Dreamstime)
1973: Golden Corral
The first Golden Corral restaurant opened in 1973, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The family-friendly steakhouse chain has expanded to almost 500 locations and has managed to stay successful despite a growing trend away from buffet-style restaurants.
The first Golden Corral restaurant opened in 1973, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The family-friendly steakhouse chain has expanded to almost 500 locations and has managed to stay successful despite a growing trend away from buffet-style restaurants. (David68967/Dreamstime)
1974: Alamo Rent a Car
Founded in 1974, Alamo began with 1,000 cars at four Florida locations. Today, Alamo, National Car Rental and Enterprise Rent-A-Car are part of the parent company Enterprise, the largest car rental company in the U.S. with a revenue of $22 billion, according to Forbes.
Founded in 1974, Alamo began with 1,000 cars at four Florida locations. Today, Alamo, National Car Rental and Enterprise Rent-A-Car are part of the parent company Enterprise, the largest car rental company in the U.S. with a revenue of $22 billion, according to Forbes. (Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
1975: Microsoft
In 1975, childhood friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded computer software company Microsoft. The company was originally named Micro-Soft after microprocessors and software. By the 1980s, Microsoft was the world’s biggest personal-computer software company. Today, it has more than $138 billion in sales, per Forbes.
In 1975, childhood friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded computer software company Microsoft. The company was originally named Micro-Soft after microprocessors and software. By the 1980s, Microsoft was the world’s biggest personal-computer software company. Today, it has more than $138 billion in sales, per Forbes. (Typhoonski/Dreamstime)
1976: Apple
College dropouts Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple in 1976 with a dream to make user-friendly, personal computers. By 1978, they were doing $7.8 million in sales. The company evolved beyond computers to release the iPod mp3 player, the iPhone smartphone, the iPad tablet computer and more. In the last three months of 2020 alone, Apple saw $111.4 in sales and $28.7 billion in profits.
College dropouts Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple in 1976 with a dream to make user-friendly, personal computers. By 1978, they were doing $7.8 million in sales. The company evolved beyond computers to release the iPod mp3 player, the iPhone smartphone, the iPad tablet computer and more. In the last three months of 2020 alone, Apple saw $111.4 in sales and $28.7 billion in profits. (Eric Thayer/Getty Images)
1977: Victoria’s Secret
Known for its pink striped bags and annual fashion show, Victoria’s Secret has been the largest lingerie retailer in the U.S. for decades. But it began in 1977 as a space in a small shopping mall in Palo Alto, California.
Known for its pink striped bags and annual fashion show, Victoria’s Secret has been the largest lingerie retailer in the U.S. for decades. But it began in 1977 as a space in a small shopping mall in Palo Alto, California. (Pressfoto/Dreamstime)
1978: Ben & Jerry's
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield opened an ice cream shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, in 1978 after the pair split the cost for a $5 correspondence course in ice cream-making from Penn State. The brand was acquired by Unilever in 2000 for $326 million. Today, it has more than 500 ice cream shops around the world and sells pints in 38 different countries.
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield opened an ice cream shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, in 1978 after the pair split the cost for a $5 correspondence course in ice cream-making from Penn State. The brand was acquired by Unilever in 2000 for $326 million. Today, it has more than 500 ice cream shops around the world and sells pints in 38 different countries. (Beruldsen/Dreamstime)
1979: ESPN
Before it was “the worldwide leader in sports,” ESPN, an acronym for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, was founded in 1979 by sports announcer Bill Rasmussen to broadcast New England Whalers hockey games and University of Connecticut sports. It became the first 24-hour television network and began airing all the NCAA men’s basketball tournament games when NBC hds only previously aired the Final Four. Today, the network’s flagship show, “SportsCenter,” averages up to 115 million viewers a month.
Before it was “the worldwide leader in sports,” ESPN, an acronym for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, was founded in 1979 by sports announcer Bill Rasmussen to broadcast New England Whalers hockey games and University of Connecticut sports. It became the first 24-hour television network and began airing all the NCAA men’s basketball tournament games when NBC hds only previously aired the Final Four. Today, the network’s flagship show, “SportsCenter,” averages up to 115 million viewers a month. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
1980: Whole Foods
Whole Foods began in 1980 when a small natural foods store called Safer Way merged with Clarksville Natural Grocery in Austin, Texas, to become the first Whole Foods Market. The first Whole Foods had a staff of 19, but today, there are more than 500 Whole Foods stores in North America and the U.K.
Whole Foods began in 1980 when a small natural foods store called Safer Way merged with Clarksville Natural Grocery in Austin, Texas, to become the first Whole Foods Market. The first Whole Foods had a staff of 19, but today, there are more than 500 Whole Foods stores in North America and the U.K. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
1981: MTV
The cable television network MTV, short for Music Television, debuted in 1981by broadcasting the music video for “Video Killed the Radio Star” by the Buggles. By the late 1980s, MTV started airing non-video programming, which went on to include seminal reality shows “The Real World,” “Laguna Beach,” “The Jersey Shore” and more.
The cable television network MTV, short for Music Television, debuted in 1981by broadcasting the music video for “Video Killed the Radio Star” by the Buggles. By the late 1980s, MTV started airing non-video programming, which went on to include seminal reality shows “The Real World,” “Laguna Beach,” “The Jersey Shore” and more. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
1982: Olive Garden
Olive Garden was founded in Orlando, Florida, in 1982. Today, it's the largest Italian-themed full-service chain restaurant with more than $4 billion in sales and more than 860 locations as of 2019.
Olive Garden was founded in Orlando, Florida, in 1982. Today, it's the largest Italian-themed full-service chain restaurant with more than $4 billion in sales and more than 860 locations as of 2019. (Oliver7perez/Dreamstime)
1983: Costco
The first Costco opened in Seattle in 1983. Today, the multi-billion dollar global retailer has more than 100 million cardholders and warehouse club operations in eight countries, including nearly 600 locations in 45 U.S. states and Puerto Rico.
The first Costco opened in Seattle in 1983. Today, the multi-billion dollar global retailer has more than 100 million cardholders and warehouse club operations in eight countries, including nearly 600 locations in 45 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. (Wenling01/Dreamstime)
1984: Dell
In 1984, freshman Michael Dell founded a computer company in his University of Texas dorm room with $1,000. In 2001, Dell became the No. 1 computer systems provider worldwide. Today, it has almost $92 billion in sales, according to Forbes.
In 1984, freshman Michael Dell founded a computer company in his University of Texas dorm room with $1,000. In 2001, Dell became the No. 1 computer systems provider worldwide. Today, it has almost $92 billion in sales, according to Forbes. (Philfreez/Dreamstime)
1985: AOL
Then known as Quantum Computer Services, America Online initially launched in 1985 as an online bulletin board for owners of Commodore 64 computers. The company was renamed AOL in 1991, and by 2000, it became the largest online service provider in the world and was worth $125 billion. In 2015, Verizon acquired AOL for about $4.4 billion.
Then known as Quantum Computer Services, America Online initially launched in 1985 as an online bulletin board for owners of Commodore 64 computers. The company was renamed AOL in 1991, and by 2000, it became the largest online service provider in the world and was worth $125 billion. In 2015, Verizon acquired AOL for about $4.4 billion. (Richard B. Levine/Sipa USA/TNS)
1986: Staples
Staples, which was conceived as a “supermarket for office products,” opened its first location in 1986 in Brighton, Massachusetts. Today, there are more than 1,000 Staples stores across the U.S.
Staples, which was conceived as a “supermarket for office products,” opened its first location in 1986 in Brighton, Massachusetts. Today, there are more than 1,000 Staples stores across the U.S. (Andreistanescu/Dreamstime)
1987: Sports Authority
Sporting goods store Sports Authority was founded in Florida, in 1987. The company was briefly owned by KMart in the '90s. It declared bankruptcy in 2006 and closed all of its 460 stores.
Sporting goods store Sports Authority was founded in Florida, in 1987. The company was briefly owned by KMart in the '90s. It declared bankruptcy in 2006 and closed all of its 460 stores. (Jackbluee/Dreamstime)
1988: Capital One
“What’s in your wallet?” is a famous commercial tagline and the company behind it, Capital One Financial, only began in 1988 as a credit card program at Richmond, Virginia-based Signet Bank. As of 2021, there are almost 100 million Capital One cards in circulation as well as 1,000 branch locations.
“What’s in your wallet?” is a famous commercial tagline and the company behind it, Capital One Financial, only began in 1988 as a credit card program at Richmond, Virginia-based Signet Bank. As of 2021, there are almost 100 million Capital One cards in circulation as well as 1,000 branch locations. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
1989: Garmin
GPS device company Garmin was founded in 1989 by electrical engineers Gary Burrell and Min H. Kao, who combined their first names - Gary and Min -- to form the company name. Today, the company has 16,000 employees and generates $4.2 billion in sales, according to Forbes.
GPS device company Garmin was founded in 1989 by electrical engineers Gary Burrell and Min H. Kao, who combined their first names - Gary and Min -- to form the company name. Today, the company has 16,000 employees and generates $4.2 billion in sales, according to Forbes. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
1990: Sirius Satellite Radio
Audio entertainment company Sirius Satellite Radio has been in business since 1990 when it was known as Satellite CD Radio. In 2007, Sirius merged with rival satellite radio company, XM to form SiriusXM. Today, its platforms collectively reach more than 150 million listeners.
Audio entertainment company Sirius Satellite Radio has been in business since 1990 when it was known as Satellite CD Radio. In 2007, Sirius merged with rival satellite radio company, XM to form SiriusXM. Today, its platforms collectively reach more than 150 million listeners. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
1991: Total Wine & More
Total Wine & More, the largest independent wine retailer in the U.S., started in 1991 as a small store in Delaware. Now, there are more than 215 superstores across 26 states.
Total Wine & More, the largest independent wine retailer in the U.S., started in 1991 as a small store in Delaware. Now, there are more than 215 superstores across 26 states. (ColleenMichaels/Dreamstime)
1992: Clif Bar
Created by bicyclist Gary Erickson with the help of his mother, Clif Bar launched in 1992. In 2000, Erickson turned down an offer of $120 million for the company. Today, it is estimated to bring in between $500 million to $1 billion in revenue.
Created by bicyclist Gary Erickson with the help of his mother, Clif Bar launched in 1992. In 2000, Erickson turned down an offer of $120 million for the company. Today, it is estimated to bring in between $500 million to $1 billion in revenue. (David68967/Dreamstime)
1993: Chipotle
In 1993, chef Steve Ells opened the first Chipotle Mexican Grill in a remodeled ice cream shop in Denver, Colorado. Ellis opened two more locations by 1996. The company plans to open more than 200 new locations in 2021, bringing its store total to nearly 3,000.
In 1993, chef Steve Ells opened the first Chipotle Mexican Grill in a remodeled ice cream shop in Denver, Colorado. Ellis opened two more locations by 1996. The company plans to open more than 200 new locations in 2021, bringing its store total to nearly 3,000. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
1994: Amazon
Jeff Bezos founded Amazon in 1994 out of his Seattle garage as a site to sell books. After just a month in business, Amazon had already sold books to people in all 50 states and 45 different countries. In 2020, Amazon earned $386 billion in revenue, and Bezos is the richest man in the world, worth $200 billion.
Jeff Bezos founded Amazon in 1994 out of his Seattle garage as a site to sell books. After just a month in business, Amazon had already sold books to people in all 50 states and 45 different countries. In 2020, Amazon earned $386 billion in revenue, and Bezos is the richest man in the world, worth $200 billion. (Jahcottontail143/Dreamstime)
1995: eBay
Auction site eBay, originally named AuctionWeb, was founded by Pierre Omidyar in 1995 when he listed a broken laser pointer for $1. By 1997, the site had sold 1 million items, including $500 million worth of Beanie Babies. Today, the company does $10.7 billion in sales, according to Forbes.
Auction site eBay, originally named AuctionWeb, was founded by Pierre Omidyar in 1995 when he listed a broken laser pointer for $1. By 1997, the site had sold 1 million items, including $500 million worth of Beanie Babies. Today, the company does $10.7 billion in sales, according to Forbes. (Wolterk/Dreamstime)
1996: WebMD
Founded in 1996, health website WebMD was bought for $2.8 billion in 2017.
Founded in 1996, health website WebMD was bought for $2.8 billion in 2017. (Jetcityimage/Dreamstime)
1997: Netflix
Netflix was originally founded in 1997 as a movie rental service that allowed subscribers to rent DVDs by mail. Streaming was introduced in 2007, and today, Netflix has 200 million members and is available in more than 30 languages and 190 countries.
Netflix was originally founded in 1997 as a movie rental service that allowed subscribers to rent DVDs by mail. Streaming was introduced in 2007, and today, Netflix has 200 million members and is available in more than 30 languages and 190 countries. (Praneat/Dreamstime)
1998: Google
Google products might be a staple of daily life for many Americans, but the company only began in 1998. Google grew from a Stanford dorm room to a garage to its Mountain View, California, headquarters. Today, Google makes hundreds of products beyond its signature search engine and is worth $1 trillion in market value.
Google products might be a staple of daily life for many Americans, but the company only began in 1998. Google grew from a Stanford dorm room to a garage to its Mountain View, California, headquarters. Today, Google makes hundreds of products beyond its signature search engine and is worth $1 trillion in market value. (Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
1999: Salesforce
Salesforce is a customer relationship management (CRM) platform that began as a startup in a San Francisco apartment. Today, it has more than 150,000 customers and is worth $176 billion.
Salesforce is a customer relationship management (CRM) platform that began as a startup in a San Francisco apartment. Today, it has more than 150,000 customers and is worth $176 billion. (Jetcityimage/Dreamstime)
2000: Verizon
Verizon Communications was created in 2000 through the merger of Bell Atlantic Corp. and Vodafone AirTouch Plc, becoming the nation’s largest wireless carrier. The company has more than 130,000 employees and brought in a 2020 revenue of $128.3 billion.
Verizon Communications was created in 2000 through the merger of Bell Atlantic Corp. and Vodafone AirTouch Plc, becoming the nation’s largest wireless carrier. The company has more than 130,000 employees and brought in a 2020 revenue of $128.3 billion. (Wolterk/Dreamstime)
2001: MailChimp
Email marketing platform MailChimp was founded in 2001 and remains 100% founder-owned. As of 2020, it had more than 14 million active customers and sent over 333 billion emails.
Email marketing platform MailChimp was founded in 2001 and remains 100% founder-owned. As of 2020, it had more than 14 million active customers and sent over 333 billion emails. (Vasilebobirnac1976/Dreamstime)
2002: GoPro
GoPro was founded in 2002 by Nick Woodman, who had wanted to film himself surfing. His initial prototype was made from a 35mm camera with a wrist strap made from old wetsuits and plastic scraps. Today, the company has sold more than 26 million GoPro cameras.
GoPro was founded in 2002 by Nick Woodman, who had wanted to film himself surfing. His initial prototype was made from a 35mm camera with a wrist strap made from old wetsuits and plastic scraps. Today, the company has sold more than 26 million GoPro cameras. (David Becker/Getty Images)
2003: Tesla
Named after Serbian American inventor Nikola Tesla, electric car company Tesla was founded in 2003 by entrepreneurs Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. PayPal co-founder Elon Musk was an early investor in the company and became CEO in 2008. As of December 2020, Tesla’s valuation was $631.29 billion, making it worth about as much as the nine largest car companies globally.
Named after Serbian American inventor Nikola Tesla, electric car company Tesla was founded in 2003 by entrepreneurs Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. PayPal co-founder Elon Musk was an early investor in the company and became CEO in 2008. As of December 2020, Tesla’s valuation was $631.29 billion, making it worth about as much as the nine largest car companies globally. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
2004: Facebook
In 2004, Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg launched the social media site The Facebook, which later became simply Facebook. Today, the site has 2.85 billion monthly active users and makes ad-driven revenue of $26.2 billion. According to Bloomberg, Zuckerberg’s net worth is $126 billion.
In 2004, Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg launched the social media site The Facebook, which later became simply Facebook. Today, the site has 2.85 billion monthly active users and makes ad-driven revenue of $26.2 billion. According to Bloomberg, Zuckerberg’s net worth is $126 billion. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
2005: YouTube
Conceived as a place for ordinary people to share their home videos, YouTube launched in 2005. The first YouTube video ever posted was by co-founder Jawed Karim called "Me at the zoo." In 2006, Google purchased YouTube for $1.65 billion in stock. Today, YouTube has more than 2 billion users and 1 billion hours of videos are watched daily.
Conceived as a place for ordinary people to share their home videos, YouTube launched in 2005. The first YouTube video ever posted was by co-founder Jawed Karim called "Me at the zoo." In 2006, Google purchased YouTube for $1.65 billion in stock. Today, YouTube has more than 2 billion users and 1 billion hours of videos are watched daily. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
2006: Twitter
Twttr — later changed to Twitter — launched on March 21, 2006 when co-founder Jack Dorsey posted the first-ever tweet, "just setting up my twttr.” The platform exploded in popularity in 2007, and today, there are 353 million monthly active users posting close to 500 million tweets daily.
Twttr — later changed to Twitter — launched on March 21, 2006 when co-founder Jack Dorsey posted the first-ever tweet, "just setting up my twttr.” The platform exploded in popularity in 2007, and today, there are 353 million monthly active users posting close to 500 million tweets daily. (LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images)
2007: Fitbit
Wearable tech company Fitbit was founded in early 2007. The idea for its product was initially pitched to early investors with just a circuit board in a wooden box. In 2021, Google purchased the company for $2.1 billion.
Wearable tech company Fitbit was founded in early 2007. The idea for its product was initially pitched to early investors with just a circuit board in a wooden box. In 2021, Google purchased the company for $2.1 billion. (Eric Thayer/Getty Images)
2008: Airbnb
Airbnb was born in 2008 when San Francisco housemates Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia were short on rent and decided to rent out air mattresses to conference attendees with no place else to stay because hotels were booked up. “Air Bed and Breakfast” became Airbnb, which has grown to a network of 4 million hosts who have welcomed more than 800 million guest arrivals.
Airbnb was born in 2008 when San Francisco housemates Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia were short on rent and decided to rent out air mattresses to conference attendees with no place else to stay because hotels were booked up. “Air Bed and Breakfast” became Airbnb, which has grown to a network of 4 million hosts who have welcomed more than 800 million guest arrivals. (JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images)
2009: Uber
Ride-hailing smartphone app Uber was founded in 2009 after Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp were unable to get a ride on a cold winter’s night. The first Uber rider requested a trip in 2010, and by 2018, there were 91 million monthly active platform consumers, 3.9 million drivers and 14 million Uber rides completed each day.
Ride-hailing smartphone app Uber was founded in 2009 after Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp were unable to get a ride on a cold winter’s night. The first Uber rider requested a trip in 2010, and by 2018, there were 91 million monthly active platform consumers, 3.9 million drivers and 14 million Uber rides completed each day. (Gekaskr/Dreamstime)
2010: Pinterest
Pinterest was founded in March 2010. After a few months, it had grown to 5,000 users. By 2020, it had 320 million monthly active users. Today, the social media platform has more than 500 employees and is available in 30 languages.
Pinterest was founded in March 2010. After a few months, it had grown to 5,000 users. By 2020, it had 320 million monthly active users. Today, the social media platform has more than 500 employees and is available in 30 languages. (Bigtunaonline/Dreamstime)
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