It’s fascinating to consider that what are now billion-dollar companies once started with little more than a dream, a brilliant idea, an unwavering will to work hard, and a garage. This article sheds light on the top 10 companies that started in a garage and grew into global giants.
Microsoft
In 1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in a modest garage, with limited resources. They sold their first operating system for about $80,000. Later, they developed more advanced software, which eventually led to the creation of Windows. Today, Microsoft continues to innovate and introduce new products. They are heavily investing in AI together with OpenAI. Bill Gates is now almost worth $100 billion and one of the richest people in the world.
Dell
Michael Dell began building custom computers in his garage in 1984. Just a year later, he left university to expand his business. Dell is now one of the strongest players in the market and has amply rewarded Michael Dell’s boldness and determination.
Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded Google in 1998, in a garage in California. Within five months, they had created Google, but the project took up so much time that they tried to sell the company for just $1 million. Now, Google is estimated to be worth $350 billion.
Amazon
Jeff Bezos founded Amazon.com in 1994 as a small online bookstore from his garage. It took a year before he sold his first book. Amazon is now the largest online retailer in the world.
Apple
Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started Apple Computers in 1976, by selling 50 units of Wozniak’s Apple I to a local retailer. Apple is now the largest and most valuable technology company in the world.
Hewlett Packard
HP began as a small technology club called ‘Silicon Valley’, founded by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard in 1939. They started with just $538 and became one of the largest computer companies.
Lotus
Lotus Cars was founded by Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman in 1948. Chapman began building his first Lotus car in a stable next to ‘The Railway Hotel’ in Hornsey, London, at just 20 years of age. These early years laid the foundation for what Lotus Cars would become: a respected name in sports and racing cars, known for their performance and engineering. Chapman’s vision and technical expertise have made Lotus an iconic car brand that continues to be admired and desired to this day.
Disney
Walt Disney, his brother Roy, and his uncle Robert began filming Alice’s Wonderland comedies in a garage in 1923. Now, Disney is the most profitable media company in the world.
Harley Davidson
In 1901, William S. Harley designed plans for a bicycle powered by a small engine. Together with Arthur Davidson, they began building these motorcycles in a small wooden shed. Now, Harley-Davidson is an icon among motorcycle enthusiasts.
Mattel
Mattel saw its origins in a garage in Southern California in 1945, where Harold Matson and Elliot Handler began building dollhouses with remnants of picture frames. These dollhouses became so popular that they eventually sold better than the picture frames. This led to a complete shift to the toy industry. Mattel, Inc has grown into the most profitable toy manufacturer to date, a true affirmation of their innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
