Robinhood Financial LLC is an online discount stock brokerage that provides self-directed investors with a platform to trade a variety of financial instruments, including stocks, options, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and cryptocurrencies, without incurring commission fees. Established in 2013 by Vladimir Tenev and Baiju Bhatt and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, the firm aims to democratize access to financial markets, making trading more accessible to a broader audience. In addition to trading services, Robinhood also offers cash management accounts, enhancing its financial service offerings. The company operates as a subsidiary of Robinhood Markets, Inc., which was incorporated the same year.
Stripe, Inc. is a technology company that develops application programming interfaces (APIs) and tools for businesses to accept and manage online payments. Its offerings include a comprehensive suite of products such as Payments for payment processing, Subscriptions for managing recurring billing, and Stripe Connect for routing and payouts to third parties. Additionally, Stripe provides tools like Stripe Radar for fraud detection, Stripe Elements for customizable payment forms, and Stripe Checkout for seamless payment acceptance across devices. The company supports various international credit and debit cards and serves a diverse clientele, including e-commerce, B2B platforms, and non-profits across several countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Stripe aims to enhance the economic infrastructure of the internet, facilitating growth for businesses of all sizes. The company also addresses financing challenges for online businesses through Stripe Capital, which offers fast and flexible funding solutions.
AEye, Inc. specializes in developing vision hardware, software, and algorithms tailored for autonomous vehicles. The company is known for its innovative iDAR platform, which integrates LiDAR, computer vision, and artificial intelligence to enhance perception and motion planning for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles. AEye's product offerings include the 4Sight A and 4Sight M sensors, as well as the AE100 Robotic Perception System and AE200, which are designed to meet the demands of the mobility market with modular and high-performance features. Since its inception in 2013 and a name change in 2016, AEye has established itself as a leader in intelligent sensing technology, securing investment from prestigious firms such as Kleiner Perkins and Intel Capital. The company is headquartered in Dublin, California, within the San Francisco Bay Area.
View, Inc. specializes in designing and manufacturing glass systems for various sectors, including workplace, healthcare, education, and hospitality. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Milpitas, California, with manufacturing facilities in Olive Branch, Mississippi, the company focuses on enhancing natural light in buildings through its innovative smart window technology. View's products, known for their energy efficiency and positive impact on human health and productivity, utilize artificial intelligence to automatically adjust to sunlight, optimizing light access while minimizing energy consumption. The company markets its solutions through direct sales and representatives both domestically and internationally, positioning itself as a leader in the smart windows industry.
HotelTonight, Inc. is a mobile application designed specifically for booking last-minute hotel deals, allowing users to secure same-day accommodations through their smartphones and tablets. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the platform serves as a marketplace for hotels to fill unsold rooms that would otherwise go unoccupied. It offers competitive pricing for bookings made up to seven days in advance, catering to business travelers, leisure travelers, and locals. As of April 2019, HotelTonight operates as a subsidiary of Airbnb, Inc.
Pinterest, Inc. operates as a visual discovery engine, enabling users to find inspiration across a range of interests, including recipes, home décor, travel, and creative projects. Launched in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the platform allows users to save and organize images on personalized boards, facilitating the discovery of ideas tailored to individual tastes. Users can follow others and re-post or "pin" items, fostering a community of creativity and sharing. With over 150 million monthly users, Pinterest serves as a popular tool for visual bookmarking and inspiration, employing more than 1,000 people to enhance user experience and engagement.
Lyft is an on-demand transportation service that connects passengers with drivers through a mobile application. Founded in June 2012 in San Francisco by Logan Green and John Zimmer, Lyft allows users to request rides with a simple tap on their smartphones and facilitates payment directly through the app. The platform also offers the option to schedule rides up to seven days in advance. Lyft primarily serves college, university, and corporate communities and has rapidly expanded to cover 95 percent of the U.S. population. The company focuses on providing accessible peer-to-peer transportation solutions, contributing to the growing ridesharing market.
Cybereason Inc. develops a comprehensive cybersecurity platform focused on endpoint protection, including endpoint detection and response, anti-ransomware, anti-malware, and antivirus solutions. Founded in 2012 by a team of elite intelligence professionals, the company offers a suite of products designed to detect, analyze, and respond to cyber threats. Key offerings include Deep Detect & Respond, which analyzes behavioral data to identify suspicious activities; Deep Prevent, aimed at blocking advanced attacks; Deep Investigate, which collects enterprise data for threat analysis; and Deep Respond, a threat detection and response interface. Additionally, Cybereason provides RansomFree, an anti-ransomware solution, alongside various services such as monitoring, investigation, and training. The company is headquartered in Boston and maintains offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Tokyo, leveraging a custom-built in-memory graph to enhance its threat detection capabilities.
Initial Coin Offering in 2017
Dash is the e-commerce and payments-focused digital currency, and the rising alternative to bitcoin. Experiencing significant growth since its beginnings in 2014, Dash is now accepted at more than 4,000 merchants, including 2,200+ in Venezuela, in addition to being accessible via 400+ ATMs and 90+ exchanges worldwide- making it one of the few offering safe, decentralized financial solutions to real world problems. Dash offers a form of money that is portable, inexpensive, divisible, and fast. It can be spent easily and instantly online at merchants across the globe, at much lower fees than credit and debit cards. With over 60 members on the team and a unique blockchain mining and treasury model, Dash is the only major self-funded, self-governed organization in the cryptocurrency industry. This allows for constant development and funding for the entire project.
Initial Coin Offering in 2017
Basic Attention Token operates a blockchain-based platform designed to enhance the efficiency of digital advertising. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, it addresses the challenges of a fragmented advertising market marked by middlemen and fraud. BAT is an ERC20 token built on Ethereum, serving as a utility token within this decentralized and open-source ecosystem. The platform facilitates direct exchanges between publishers, advertisers, and users, aiming to create a more transparent and effective advertising experience.
Founded in 2010 and based in San Francisco, Wish is an e-commerce platform that offers a wide range of affordable goods to consumers globally. The platform utilizes big data, machine learning, and search technologies to deliver a visually engaging and personalized shopping experience. Wish connects customers with a vast network of direct suppliers, enabling access to quality products through a mobile-friendly interface. It features a diverse product selection, including clothing, accessories, gaming equipment, cosmetics, and mobile covers. By 2018, Wish had attracted over 80 million monthly active users and collaborated with more than one million merchants, selling nearly one billion products each year. The company primarily generates revenue from Europe, while also maintaining a presence in North America, South America, and other regions.
China Literature is a pioneer of the online literature market and operates a leading online literature platform in China. The Company’s shares were listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code 0772 on November 8, 2017. China Literature is a market leader as measured by the scale and quality of writers, readers and literary content offerings. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had 7.7 million writers and 11.2 million online literary works, covering over 200 genres and reaching millions of readers. During 2018, the Company had on average 213.5 million monthly active users on its platform and its self-operated channels on partner distribution platforms. The Company owns nine major branded products, among which QQ Reading serves as a flagship product and is a unified mobile content aggregation and distribution platform, while the other products focus more specifically on individual genres and their respective fan bases. China Literature’s blue-chip shareholder and strategic partner, Tencent, provides the Company with exclusive content distribution access via its suite of leading mobile and Internet products, including Mobile QQ, QQ Browser, Tencent News, Weixin Reading and Tencent Video. The Company also licenses the content to third-party partners such as Baidu, Sogou, JD.com and Xiaomi Duokan for distribution, thus further broadening its user reach.
Didi Chuxing is a mobile transportation platform that offers app-based transportation services. The company offers a mobile tech-based mobility option for users across, including taxi hailing, private car-hailing, Hitch (social ride-sharing), DiDi Chauffeur, DiDi Bus, DiDi Test Drive, DiDi Car Rental, and DiDi Enterprise Solutions. As a practitioner in the sharing economy initiative, DiDi is committed to working with communities and partners to solve transportation, environmental challenges, and employment problems using big data-driven deep-learning algorithms that optimize resource allocation. Bo Zhang and Wei Cheng established the company in 2012 in Beijing, Beijing.
Airbnb is a global platform that facilitates the booking of unique accommodations and experiences, connecting hosts with guests through its website and mobile applications. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in San Francisco, the company allows users to discover a diverse range of listings, including private rooms, luxury villas, and unconventional spaces such as castles and sailboats. With over 8 million active listings in more than 65,000 cities across 191 countries, Airbnb serves a wide array of travelers seeking authentic experiences at various price points. The company's revenue primarily comes from transaction fees associated with online bookings, with a significant portion generated from North America. By streamlining the process of listing and reserving accommodations, Airbnb has established itself as a leading alternative accommodation provider in the travel industry.
Space Exploration Technologies is a space-transportation startup company founded by Elon Musk. SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX develops crew and cargo capsules, engines, cryogenic tank structures, avionics, equipment, guidance, and control software. The company is developing the partially reusable launch vehicles Falcon 1 and Falcon 9.
Founded in 2002, Space Exploration Technologies is headquartered in Hawthorne, California.
Xiaomi Corporation is an internet company based in Beijing that specializes in the manufacture and distribution of smartphones, consumer electronics, and internet services. Founded in 2010, Xiaomi operates through several segments, including Smartphones, IoT and Lifestyle Products, Internet Services, and Others. The Smartphones segment focuses on selling a range of mobile devices, while the IoT and Lifestyle Products segment includes smart TVs, laptops, AI speakers, and various lifestyle items. The Internet Services segment offers advertising and value-added services, and the Others segment provides hardware repair services. Xiaomi aims to create a comprehensive user experience by integrating user feedback into product design and continuously innovating its offerings. It also engages in wholesale and retail activities, software and hardware development, and operates retail stores and service centers in multiple countries, including India, Russia, and various European nations. The company's commitment to providing high-quality products at competitive prices has fostered a loyal customer base both in China and internationally.
Snap Inc. operates as a camera company that focuses on multimedia communication through its flagship product, Snapchat. The Snapchat application enables users to share short videos and images, known as Snaps, and includes features such as personalized camera tools, group chats, and the ability to create and view stories. The platform also offers Discover, which curates content from publishers and creators based on user interests, as well as Snap Map, which displays location-based information and popular stories. Users can save their Snaps in a personal collection through the Memories feature. Additionally, Snap has developed Spectacles, video-sharing sunglasses that allow users to capture content directly from their perspective. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Snap Inc. aims to enhance social interactions through innovative camera technology.
Palantir Technologies develops data fusion platforms for a variety of users, including public institutions, commercial enterprises, and non-profit organizations globally. The company offers two main products: Palantir Gotham, which focuses on integrating, managing, and analyzing enterprise data, and Palantir Metropolis, designed for the integration and analysis of quantitative data. Their software applications facilitate collaboration among analysts across government organizations, enabling them to visualize and analyze large volumes of information. Palantir's solutions address diverse challenges in areas such as anti-fraud, cyber security, defense, healthcare, and legal intelligence. Founded in 2003 in Denver, Colorado, and now based in Palo Alto, California, Palantir has established strategic partnerships, including one with United Airlines.
Palantir Technologies develops data fusion platforms for a variety of users, including public institutions, commercial enterprises, and non-profit organizations globally. The company offers two main products: Palantir Gotham, which focuses on integrating, managing, and analyzing enterprise data, and Palantir Metropolis, designed for the integration and analysis of quantitative data. Their software applications facilitate collaboration among analysts across government organizations, enabling them to visualize and analyze large volumes of information. Palantir's solutions address diverse challenges in areas such as anti-fraud, cyber security, defense, healthcare, and legal intelligence. Founded in 2003 in Denver, Colorado, and now based in Palo Alto, California, Palantir has established strategic partnerships, including one with United Airlines.
Mahtay Holdings Limited manufactures energy drink. The company’s product includes yerba mate tea, acai berries, coconut water, and co2. Mahtay Holdings Limited was incorporated in 2016 and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom.
Roku, Inc. operates a TV streaming platform that enables users to access a wide range of content, including movies, TV episodes, live sports, music, and news. The company consists of two main segments: Platform and Player. Roku's platform features a user-friendly interface powered by its proprietary operating system, Roku OS. The company manufactures and sells streaming media players, accessories, and TVs under the Roku brand, along with branded remote control buttons. Additionally, Roku provides advertising solutions such as video ads and brand sponsorships. Its products and services are available through various retailers and distributors, as well as directly to customers via its website, reaching markets in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Mexico, and parts of Latin America. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Los Gatos, California, Roku has established itself as a leader in streaming innovation, boasting a large and engaged customer base.
Qudian is an electronics retailer from China that provides installment payment and investment management platform for micro-lending to fulfill short term financial needs.
Dropbox is a company that provides secure file sharing, collaboration, and storage solutions, catering to both individual users and businesses. Founded in 2007 by Drew Houston and Arash Ferdowsi, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and operates more than 12 offices globally, including locations in London, New York, and Tokyo. With 500 million registered users, Dropbox enables users to work flexibly on any device from anywhere. Its business service, Dropbox for Business, offers organizations seamless collaboration through secure file sharing, remote access, and comprehensive administrative controls, enhancing productivity and creativity in various work environments.
SendGrid, Inc. is a cloud-based digital communication platform that enables businesses to effectively reach their customers through email. Founded in 2009 and based in Denver, Colorado, SendGrid provides various tools for developers and marketers, including an email application programming interface (API) that integrates email functionality into applications and services for managing marketing campaigns. These services allow users to upload customer contact lists, create and test email templates, and analyze campaign performance to enhance customer engagement. The platform is recognized for its strong email deliverability, successfully delivering over 30 billion emails monthly for a range of clients, from tech companies to traditional enterprises.
Ripple Labs, Inc. operates a global payments network that leverages blockchain technology to facilitate instant and low-cost international transactions. The company has developed RippleNet, a decentralized platform that connects banks, payment providers, digital asset exchanges, and corporations for seamless global money transfers. Ripple's product offerings include XRP, a digital asset designed for payments; xCurrent, which supports cross-border payment services for banks; xRapid, aimed at payment providers and financial institutions to manage liquidity costs; and xVia, a solution that allows corporates and financial institutions to send payments across networks using a standardized interface. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Ripple has expanded its presence with additional offices in major cities worldwide, including New York, London, Sydney, and Mumbai, among others. The company's solutions not only improve transaction efficiency but also help reduce foreign exchange exposure and counter-party risk for enterprises.
Alibaba Group is a leading global online and mobile commerce company based in Hangzhou, China, founded in 1999. The company operates a diverse range of platforms, including Taobao, a consumer-to-consumer marketplace, and Tmall, a business-to-consumer platform. Alibaba also manages Alibaba.com and 1688.com for wholesale transactions, along with AliExpress for international retail. Its services extend beyond e-commerce to cloud computing, digital media and entertainment, and local consumer services. Key assets include Cainiao, a logistics network, and Ele.me, a local delivery service. Additionally, Alibaba offers various marketing services, payment solutions, and operates content platforms such as Youku and Alibaba Pictures. As the world's largest online commerce entity by gross merchandise volume, Alibaba plays a crucial role in connecting consumers and businesses, facilitating transactions, and enhancing operational efficiencies through cutting-edge technology.
Twitter is a social networking platform that enables users to send and read short messages, known as "tweets," with a character limit of 280. Launched in 2006, Twitter has grown into a global real-time communications platform, attracting more than 400 million monthly visitors and 255 million active users. The platform serves a diverse user base that includes world leaders, athletes, news organizations, and entertainment figures, and is accessible in over 35 languages. Users can interact with the platform through various means, including web browsers, SMS, and mobile applications. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Twitter also maintains numerous local offices across the United States and several international offices in major cities around the world.
Meta is a leading online social networking service that connects users with friends, family, and new acquaintances. Founded by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004, it allows individuals to create profiles, share updates, and engage with a variety of multimedia content. Users can join or create groups and pages centered around numerous interests, including entertainment, sports, and business. With over 1.32 billion monthly active users, Meta has established itself as the world's largest social network, facilitating significant daily interactions and content sharing. The platform's mobile user base constitutes a substantial portion of its audience, reflecting the growing trend of mobile engagement. Meta also operates various applications and services, enhancing user experiences and driving advertiser value through its Facebook Audience Network, which supports publishers and developers in maximizing their reach. Through strategic partnerships and continuous innovation, Meta aims to maintain its position at the forefront of social connectivity and digital marketing.