Hot on the heels of the news that Facebook has bought WhatsApp for a staggering $19 billion, I thought I’d share these tweets.
They are doing the rounds across most of the tech press, but having just spoken to someone in my network who didn’t get the IC job they just went for, it seems a timely reminder that when the going gets tough, you need to keep on going.
The tweets on this page were sent by Brian Acton @brianacton, who alongside partner Jan Koum, is now the billionaire co-founder of WhatsApp. Back in 2009 Brian applied for but didn’t secure jobs at both Twitter and Facebook.
Here we are, four and a half years later and he’s just sold his company for $16 billion in cash and stock, plus another $3 billion in restricted stock.
Nice.
For me, what strikes me about Brian’s tweets is that he was still positive, he clearly wasn’t burning any bridges and remained upbeat.
So if at first you don’t succeed, don’t give up! Everyone loves a good comeback story, and this for me is a great example. Well done Brian.
I wonder how they communicated the news internally to their 55 employees? Hmm, would love to know if anyone can share!
What do employees think about working at WhatsApp? See their reviews via Glassdoor here.
What’s WhatsApp?
According to their website: “WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. WhatsApp Messenger is available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia and yes, those phones can all message each other! Because WhatsApp Messenger uses the same internet data plan that you use for email and web browsing, there is no cost to message and stay in touch with your friends. In addition to basic messaging WhatsApp users can create groups, send each other unlimited images, video and audio media messages.”
I use WhatsApp daily to communicate in my group of eight girlfriends, we send images, videos and have private group conversations and is the main way we keep in touch daily. I also use it to share information with my fellow @theICcrowd co-founders Jenni Wheller and Dana Leeson.
Do you use it? Will you investigate WhatsApp now?
Writing on the WhatsApp blog, Jan states:
“On a personal note, Brian and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of a small team of people who, in just under five years, built a communication service that now supports over 450 million monthly active users worldwide and over 320 million daily active users. They have helped re-define and revolutionise communication for the 21st century, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
“Our team has always believed that neither cost and distance should ever prevent people from connecting with their friends and loved ones, and won’t rest until everyone, everywhere is empowered with that opportunity. We want to thank all of our users and everybody in our lives for making this next chapter possible, and for joining us as we continue on this very special journey.”
Here are Brian’s tweets:
Facebook turned me down. It was a great opportunity to connect with some fantastic people. Looking forward to life’s next adventure.
— Brian Acton (@brianacton) August 3, 2009
Got denied by Twitter HQ. That’s ok. Would have been a long commute.
— Brian Acton (@brianacton) May 23, 2009
Post author: Rachel Miller.
