Did you know that many of the biggest Internet companies today were started in a garage? These multi-billion businesses had barely anything at the beginning, the most important thing for their success turned out to be simply a great business idea. Here are the stories of some of the most popular ‘garage start ups‘:
The founders of one of the greatest Internet companies – Sergey Brin and Larry Page started the business in a small garage in California. They paid $1 700 monthly for the rent and spent there around 5 months. During that time, they actually created the core of the search engine. The owner of the place, a woman named Susan Wojcicki, needed some additional money to pay off some debt. She couldn’t have imagined what was actually born in her garage. 8 years later, Google decided to buy the place, because it was an important milestone in its history.
Interesting Fact: The garage where Google was started also became the workplace of Susan Wojcicki, who would later become the CEO of YouTube, another major company under the Alphabet Inc. umbrella.
Microsoft
Paul Allen managed to persuade Bill Gates to quit university to start one of the greatest software companies. Their first office was a very small garage, where there was room only for the two of them and some machinery. The place was actually owned by Bill Gates and they even didn’t pay rent. However, it was more than enough for the birth of the giant – Microsoft.
Interesting Fact: Microsoft’s first product was a version of the BASIC programming language for the Altair 8800, which they developed while still working out of the garage.
Apple
Back in 1976, three young guys – Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne, and Steve Wozniak decided to start a business with computers. They actually started in a spare bedroom and a few months later they moved to a small garage in California. This was the place, where their first computer was created – Apple 1, and this is how one of the most innovative companies of all time was born.
Interesting Fact: The original Apple logo featured Isaac Newton sitting under a tree, symbolizing innovation and discovery, much like the breakthrough work being done in the Jobs’ family garage.
Amazon
Jeff Bezos was amazed about how Hewlett-Packard was started in a small garage. So he decided to do a similar thing. This is how in 1994, he began selling books online from his own garage in Washington. The first sale he made happened the next year and since then, his business hasn’t stopped expanding. This was the birth of Amazon.com, where you can buy almost anything today.
Interesting Fact: Bezos originally wanted to name his company “Cadabra” (as in Abracadabra) but decided on Amazon, reflecting the vastness and variety of products the company would eventually offer, much like the Amazon River.
DELL
In 1984, Michael Dell had $1000 dollars in savings. He had a big interest in computers, so he decided to invest his money and start a company called “PCs Limited”. His first office was a small garage, where he assembled custom computers for his clients. Currently, Dell Computers is one of the greatest and biggest computer companies in the world.
Interesting Fact: Dell’s first computer, the Turbo PC, was created in that garage. The computer had an Intel 8088 compatible processor that was running at the astonishing top speed of 8 MHz! The company managed to sell $73 million worth of PCs in its first year alone.
Garages have become a breeding ground for some of the world’s biggest and most successful companies. These companies, many of which are household names, all began humble beginnings in the proverbial garage. Though not all of these stories have turned out to be rags-to-riches fare, they offer us valuable lessons in business, innovation, and tenacity. These stories demonstrate how great things can come from small beginnings. Though not all such ventures will lead to great success, they serve as proof that a garage can be the start of something great. Starting one’s own business from a garage might seem a daunting task, but it can lead to great rewards and success.
Other Great Companies Started In A Garage
6. Hewlett-Packard (HP)
Founders: Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard Year Founded: 1939
- Overview: HP was founded in a garage in Palo Alto, California, with an initial investment of $538. Their first product was an audio oscillator, a piece of test equipment used by sound engineers.
- Impact: HP grew to become a major player in the computer and printer markets and is credited with helping to establish Silicon Valley as a tech hub.
7. Disney
Founders: Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney Year Founded: 1923
- Overview: The Disney Brothers Studio was originally established in the garage of their uncle Robert Disney’s house in Los Angeles. They initially produced short films called the “Alice Comedies.”
- Impact: Disney has grown into a global entertainment conglomerate, producing movies, owning theme parks, and acquiring major companies like Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm.
8. Harley-Davidson
Founders: William S. Harley, Arthur Davidson, Walter Davidson, and William A. Davidson Year Founded: 1903
- Overview: Harley-Davidson began in a small wooden shed (often described as a garage) where the founders built their first motorcycle.
- Impact: The company has become one of the most iconic motorcycle manufacturers in the world, known for its heavyweight bikes and strong brand culture.
These companies exemplify how humble beginnings can lead to monumental success. Their stories inspire entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams regardless of initial limitations. The companies listed here are only a few of the great companies that had been started in a garage. If you like this post, please share it with friends.
Check some other cool startup articles:
A Short Biography of Michael Dell – How He Founded Dell With Just $1000
Hewlett Packard’s History – HP Was Started In A Garage By David Packard and William Hewlett
3 Internet Start Up Ideas That Were Turned Into Multi-Million Businesses
Dell Computers History – The Start-Up Story of Michael Dell
The Net Worth Of The Top 15 Tech Billionaires
Online Entrepreneurs And Their Businesses Are Growing Rapidly (Infographic)
LinkedIn History – How Reid Hoffman Started The Worlds Top Professional Social Site
How Did Apple Get Its Name?
