Meta Platforms, Inc. (META)

Meta Platforms, Inc., formerly known as Facebook, Inc., is a leading technology conglomerate known for its social media products and forward-looking developments in virtual reality and other innovative technologies. Founded by Mark Zuckerberg and his college roommates in February 2004, the company quickly transformed from a college network to a global phenomenon, becoming the world's largest social media platform. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Meta's flagship products include Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus, which collectively serve billions of users worldwide. The company's focus shifted toward building the "metaverse" in October 2021, when it rebranded to Meta, indicating its long-term ambitions in creating interconnected virtual experiences. Mark Zuckerberg serves as CEO and has remained at the helm since its inception. In terms of financial performance, Meta reported significant revenues in recent years, driven by digital advertising across its platforms. Beyond social media, Meta is pioneering advancements in virtual and augmented reality through its Reality Labs division, aiming to reshape how people interact with digital content.