Meta META
Founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and his Harvard roommates, Meta, initially known as Facebook, has evolved from a college networking site to a global tech titan. Renamed Meta in 2021 to reflect its focus on the metaverse, the company has seen its share of triumphs and controversies. It boasts a valuation that fluctuates with market trends but remains a significant player in tech, with its social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp under its belt. Meta's defining moments include its successful IPO in 2012 and the high-profile Cambridge Analytica scandal that damaged its reputation. Despite numerous awards for innovation, it continues to grapple with regulatory scrutiny and criticisms of its handling of user data. Key figures like CEO Mark Zuckerberg and CTO Andrew Bosworth steer the ship as the company navigates its next digital frontier.