Whose messenger is WhatsApp - briefly?
WhatsApp is a messaging platform owned by Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook Inc. It was founded in 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum, and acquired by Facebook in 2014 for approximately $19 billion.
Whose messenger is WhatsApp - in detail?
WhatsApp, the world's most popular messaging platform, was developed and initially launched by two former Yahoo! employees, Brian Acton and Jan Koum. The pair had left their jobs at Yahoo! in September 2007 and took a year off to travel around South America. During this time, they noticed the growing trend of smartphones and the need for an efficient messaging service that could run on these devices.
In February 2009, Acton and Koum incorporated WhatsApp Inc. in California. The name "WhatsApp" was a play on words, with "what's up" being a common greeting among friends. The initial version of the app was released for iPhone users on Apple App Store in July 2009. By August 2010, WhatsApp had approximately 250,000 active users.
Facebook, recognizing the potential of WhatsApp and its growing user base, acquired WhatsApp Inc. on February 19, 2014, for approximately $19 billion. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in the tech industry, as Facebook sought to expand its reach into mobile messaging. Following the acquisition, WhatsApp continued to operate independently under its own brand, with Koum and Acton remaining at the helm until 2017 and 2018 respectively.
Currently, WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook Inc. It has evolved into a comprehensive communication platform, offering not only messaging but also voice and video calls, as well as features like group chats, broadcast lists, document sharing, and end-to-end encryption for enhanced security. With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp has become an integral part of daily communication for individuals and businesses alike.