Which company owns WhatsApp and what country is it based in - briefly?
Facebook owns WhatsApp, and the company is based in the United States.
Which company owns WhatsApp and what country is it based in - in detail?
WhatsApp, one of the world's most popular messaging platforms, is owned by Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook Inc. The company was founded by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004 and has since grown into a global tech giant. WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook in February 2014 for approximately $19 billion, marking one of the largest acquisitions in the technology sector at that time.
Meta Platforms Inc. is based in Menlo Park, California, United States. The decision to acquire WhatsApp aligned with Facebook's broader strategy to expand its messaging capabilities and integrate various platforms under a unified ecosystem. This acquisition has significantly enhanced Meta's presence in the global communication market, particularly in regions where WhatsApp enjoys widespread popularity.
The integration of WhatsApp into Meta's portfolio has allowed for the development of new features and services, such as WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Payments, which cater to both individual users and businesses. The combination of technical expertise and global reach has positioned WhatsApp as a key player in the digital communication landscape, solidifying its position under the Meta umbrella.