PayPal PYPL

PayPal, birthed in 1998 by a motley crew of tech titans including Max Levchin, Peter Thiel and Luke Nosek, aimed to make your money move faster than your local bank ever could—if you could get past the endless verification emails and customer service nightmares. Initially a digital wallet for early eBay enthusiasts, it quickly grew up and slapped on a suit, becoming the de facto transaction platform for anyone tired of fumbling with cash or checks. With a current valuation of around $85 billion, it's clear PayPal has done more than just survive; it’s thrived, being as ubiquitous in online payments as cat videos on YouTube. The company’s history is dotted with defining moments like the 2002 acquisition by eBay and the 2015 spin-off that saw it reclaim its independence with gusto. However, PayPal's not all sunshine and rainbows. The company’s faced backlash over its fees, dubious account freezes, and the occasional privacy concern. Under the stewardship of CEOs like Dan Schulman, who seems to juggle both corporate strategy and customer complaints, PayPal continues to reign supreme in the digital payment kingdom, even as it navigates the choppy waters of fintech controversies.