Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook, is one of the world’s largest technology companies headquartered in Menlo Park, California, USA. Founded by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004 as a social networking platform for Harvard students, Meta has grown into a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate focused on connecting people globally. With a strong focus on social networking, virtual reality, and digital advertising, Meta Platforms has expanded its services through acquisitions and the development of innovative platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus.
Meta’s mission is to give people the power to build communities and bring the world closer together. The company has transformed the digital communication landscape by providing platforms for users to share, connect, and create. With over 3 billion active users across its platforms, Meta continues to influence the social media, VR, and digital advertising industries.
CEO and Founder of Meta Platforms
Mark Zuckerberg, a Harvard dropout, co-founded Facebook in 2004 with the aim of connecting students within the university. What started as a simple networking site soon spread to universities worldwide, and by 2006, Facebook opened its doors to the general public. Zuckerberg has been instrumental in Meta’s rise, spearheading its transition from a social networking site to a tech conglomerate. In 2021, Zuckerberg rebranded Facebook to Meta Platforms, signaling the company’s shift toward the "Metaverse," a virtual reality space where users can interact in immersive digital environments. Today, Meta is valued at over $700 billion, making it one of the most influential companies globally.
List of Top Companies Under Meta Platforms (Facebook)
Meta Platforms has made several strategic acquisitions over the years, expanding its influence across social media, messaging, virtual reality, and advertising. Below is a list of the top companies under Meta, along with their valuations:
| Company Name | Year Acquired/Founded | Valuation | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 (Founded) | $700 Billion (Meta overall) | Social Media | |
| 2012 (Acquired) | $100 Billion | Photo and Video Sharing | |
| 2014 (Acquired) | $19 Billion | Messaging Service | |
| Oculus VR | 2014 (Acquired) | $2 Billion | Virtual Reality |
| Messenger | 2011 (Developed by Facebook) | Integrated with Facebook | Messaging Service |
| Giphy | 2020 (Acquired) | $400 Million | GIF Sharing Platform |
| CTRL-labs | 2019 (Acquired) | $1 Billion | Neural Interface Technology |
| Mapillary | 2020 (Acquired) | Undisclosed | Street-Level Imagery Mapping |
| Onavo | 2013 (Acquired) | $100 Million | Mobile Web Analytics |
| Kustomer | 2020 (Acquired) | $1 Billion | Customer Service Platform |
FAQs About Meta Platforms (Facebook)
Q1: When was Facebook founded, and by whom?
A: Facebook was founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, along with his college roommates, as a social networking site for Harvard University students.
Q2: Who is the current CEO of Meta Platforms?
A: Mark Zuckerberg is the CEO of Meta Platforms, leading the company’s initiatives in social networking and virtual reality.
Q3: What are Meta’s most notable acquisitions?
A: Meta has acquired several high-profile companies, including Instagram, WhatsApp, Oculus VR, Giphy, and CTRL-labs.
Q4: What is Meta’s focus on the "Metaverse"?
A: Meta is heavily investing in the "Metaverse," a virtual reality space where users can interact digitally. The rebranding from Facebook to Meta in 2021 signaled the company’s shift toward creating immersive, interactive digital environments.
Q5: What is Meta’s current market valuation?
A: As of 2024, Meta Platforms is valued at approximately $700 billion, making it one of the largest companies globally.
Q6: What is Instagram’s role in Meta’s ecosystem?
A: Instagram, acquired by Meta in 2012, is a key part of the company's social media ecosystem, focusing on photo and video sharing, with over 2 billion monthly active users.
