Who owns WhatsApp and from which country is it - briefly?
WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook Inc. The company was founded in the United States.
Who owns WhatsApp and from which country is it - in detail?
WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform used by billions worldwide, was founded by Brian Acton and Jan Koum in 2009. The company started as a simple idea to create an alternative to traditional SMS services, focusing on providing users with a more efficient and cost-effective way to communicate.
Initially, WhatsApp operated independently and was based in Mountain View, California. However, its rapid growth and increasing user base caught the attention of major tech companies. In February 2014, Facebook announced the acquisition of WhatsApp for approximately $19 billion. This marked a significant moment in the history of both companies, as it allowed Facebook to expand its reach into the mobile messaging market while providing WhatsApp with substantial resources to enhance its services and infrastructure.
Following the acquisition, Brian Acton left WhatsApp in 2017 due to disagreements with Facebook over monetization strategies and privacy concerns. Jan Koum also departed from the company later that year, amidst reports of differences with Facebook regarding data protection policies and potential misuse of user information.
Despite these changes in leadership, WhatsApp continues to operate under the umbrella of Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook Inc. The headquarters of Meta Platforms is located in Menlo Park, California, which serves as the central hub for many of its subsidiaries and services, including WhatsApp.
In summary, while WhatsApp was originally founded by Brian Acton and Jan Koum in the United States, it is now owned by Meta Platforms Inc., with its headquarters based in Menlo Park, California.