Brian Acton and Jan Koum sold WhatsApp to Facebook in 2014 for about $19 billion.
Koum and Acton, former Yahoo employees, founded WhatsApp in 2009. The service began as a status-updating app but evolved into an internet messaging platform, allowing users to communicate without traditional SMS charges. Its simple interface and international reach helped it grow rapidly.
Facebook announced the acquisition in February 2014, combining cash, shares, and restricted stock in a deal valued at approximately $19 billion at announcement. The price is often remembered incorrectly as exactly $19 billion in cash; much of the consideration was stock. WhatsApp remained a distinct product after the acquisition, although its ownership later became part of Meta.