Based on Statista’s information, the number of new startups in the United States alone has grown from about 590,000 in 2010 to more than 700,000 in 2020.
This growth is due to the emergence of new technologies and resources that have made it easier for entrepreneurs to start their own businesses. These startups have made a big impact, from small businesses to tech giants, and continue to motivate aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
Look at our top picks and see for yourself what it takes to be a top-notch startup.
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The 10 ever-successful startups
Launching a successful startup is no easy feat – it requires hard work, dedication, and sometimes a bit of luck. However, those that are successful can become some of the most influential and profitable businesses in the world.
The following 10 startups have proven to be among the most successful, with stories of incredible growth and soaring profits.
1. WordPress
WordPress has become one of the most popular and successful startups in recent years. Founded by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little in 2003, WordPress began as a simple blogging platform but has since grown to become a powerful content management system used by millions worldwide.
WordPress allows users to create websites or blogs with little to no coding required. WordPress offers an extensive library of free tutorials and resources for users who want to learn the basics or take their skills further.
2. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a professional networking website that has achieved tremendous success since its inception. Reid Hoffman founds this startup in 2003. The platform has more than 875 million users, making it the world’s largest professional network.
One of the biggest factors contributing to LinkedIn’s success is its focus on providing users with a platform that is both easy to use and highly effective.
3. Facebook
Facebook was founded by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004 while he attended Harvard University as a student. The idea behind Facebook was to create a platform where people could connect with each other, share experiences, and make new connections.
The idea was so popular that it quickly spread across college campuses, and by 2006, Facebook had become one of the most popular social media networks in the world. Now it has more than 2.85 billion monthly active users worldwide.
4. SpaceX
SpaceX was founded in 2002 by entrepreneur and engineer Elon Musk. The company has since become a leader in space exploration, revolutionizing the industry with its cutting-edge technology, reusable rockets, and ambitious plans for space exploration.
Through its numerous successes – including becoming the first privately owned spaceship launcher, sending cargo to the International Space Station, and launching crewed missions to space – SpaceX has become a global leader in space exploration.
5. Netflix
In 1997, Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph launched Netflix. Initially, the company focused on offering DVD sales and rentals by mail but quickly shifted to streaming media after the launch of its subscription service in 2007.
This shift allowed it to reach a much larger customer base and establish itself as one of the leading streaming services.
In large part, Netflix has seen tremendous growth over the years due to its commitment to providing high-quality content.
6. WhatsApp
Jan Koum and Brian Acton founded WhatsApp in 2009. The two Stanford alums had previously worked together at Yahoo. Their experience at the tech giant led them to develop a messaging system that could keep up with the ever-evolving digital landscape.
The duo developed the app in early 2009 and quickly launched it. It was successful right away, and within a year, the service had millions of users exchanging over a million messages daily.
The key to WhatsApp’s success was its focus on user experience.
7. Mailchimp
MailChimp was founded in 2001 by CEO Ben Chestnut and CTO Dan Kurzius. The company began as an email marketing service provider and has since grown to a beginning to one of the most prosperous businesses in the world.
The company has always focused on customer satisfaction and providing an excellent user experience. This focus has allowed them to create a platform that is easy to use and reliable for both small businesses and larger organizations.
As the company has grown, they have continued to refine and expand the platform’s functionality to include features such as A/B testing, email automation, and integration with other popular services like Salesforce.
8. Uber
Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick founded Uber in 2009. The company began as a peer-to-peer ride-sharing platform. Uber has achieved success through its innovative transportation approach and leveraging technology to make finding and booking a ride more efficient.
Uber has become popular due to its convenience, affordability, and safety. The business has taken measures to safeguard the security of its customers, such as introducing driver background checks and an in-app emergency button.
9. Airbnb
Airbnb is an American hospitality company founded in August 2008 by two friends, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia. Initially starting as a home-sharing platform, Airbnb has grown to become the world’s largest online marketplace for accommodation.
The startup’s success is due to its unique approach to the industry, which has allowed them to gain a large and loyal customer base. People may make extra money by renting out their homes or extra rooms on Airbnb to tourists from all over the world.
This helped them break away from traditional hotel chains, revolutionizing how people travel.
10. Instagram
Instagram, the photo-sharing app, has skyrocketed to success since its launch in October 2010. The platform was founded by two entrepreneurs, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, who both shared a passion for photography.
Inspired by the simple design of the photo-sharing site Flickr and the photo-sharing app’s innovative idea, they came up with Instagram.
What makes a startup successful?
Ultimately, the success of a startup is determined by its ability to leverage the combination of its resources and capabilities.
Among the key attributes to consider are innovative thinking, a clear and well-articulated vision for the company’s future, understanding customer needs, strong financial management, and developing a cohesive team.
Startups need to stand out from the crowd and have something unique to offer. This means thinking creatively and differently about existing ideas, products, services, or processes to create something new.
Read also: Meta dismisses 11,000 employees, 13% of the workforce: what is happening to Zuckerberg’s company?
