Elon Musk’s 1995 internet-mapping startup was called Zip2.
Musk founded Zip2 with his brother Kimbal Musk and Greg Kouri in Palo Alto, California. The company developed an online city guide that combined maps with business directories and helped newspapers provide local information on the web.
Zip2 was initially aimed at newspapers and other publishers rather than consumers alone. Its software offered a digital version of local business listings, including maps and directions, during the early commercial internet era.
Compaq acquired Zip2 in 1999 for approximately $307 million in cash and $34 million in stock options. Musk later used proceeds from the sale in subsequent technology ventures, including X.com.