Billion Dollar Companies that Were Initially Called Stupid Ideas

Let’s face it- Some people will never try anything of their own. They complacently and reluctantly rest in their comfort zone. Others suffer from paralysis of analysis which hinders them from trying out anything. They analyze every venture that crosses their mind and eventually give up on it after many hours of analysis. But, that’s not the point of this post. This post focuses on ventures that have grown into multi-billion dollar businesses even after skeptics, naysayers, and doubters called them stupid ideas.

Maybe you have come across such people that will tell you not to do something, or you should not do it, or you are about to waste your time. They call any idea that you share with them stupid, infeasible, or simply a way to waste money. And, once you start they will call your product or service crap. But, can you blame them?

Every entrepreneur is generally filled with self-doubt. And, it’s natural to question your reasons for risking your hard-earned money, time, or even your safe, full-time job for a venture that doesn’t guarantee amazing returns. However, you won’t know if a venture will be successful until you try it out. And, some ventures require that you give them your all.

When faced with self-doubts, it’s time to read about multi-billion dollar companies that were first called stupid ideas.

Here is a list of such companies:

1.     Uber

Uber is perhaps, the latest innovation in the transport industry. Many people have described its service as useful, innovative, exciting, and convenient. But, it had its fair share of challenges when starting up. People called it a stupid idea while others foresaw an end to its monopoly. For instance, check the comment by Artiesewell at the bottom of this post. Similar sentiments were expressed by Erok54 on this post.

2.     Instagram

An ex-Googler founded Instagram. At first, Instagram was a location-based mobile app. But, some people saw the idea of starting Instagram as a stupid one. In fact, one person called on Silicon Valley VCs to fund real businesses that have real business models with lasting value to the economy. See the comment by Shayne here.

Another person called Instagram a plug-in that was meant for cameras that have filters already. Read the comment by Zippydirtbag at the bottom of this post.

3.     Pinterest

Launched in March 2010, Pinterest closed one round for $10M in 2011 and a second, larger one for $27M in October 2011. Today, this is a multi-billion dollar firm. However, it had its fair share of nay says and doubts too. Some people called investors in Pinterest gullible, terming the idea as stupid. Follow this link for the comment by Darth Doccoro at the bottom of the post.  In the same post, Vincent Kinon considered Pinterest’s funding quite massive for a sophisticated bookmarking system.

4.     Twitter

When Odeo announced that it would launch Twitter in 2006, naysayers, skeptics, and doubters were all over saying how useless the idea was. After reading this post, Dom for instance used the term NEVER in capital letters to insist that Twitter would never catch at the comment section. AJ commenting on the same post said that Twitter was not focused and innovative. Michael commented that hosting a big BBQ party may have been a better way to spend the money that was invested in Twitter.

Generally, there will always be people that will discourage you from doing what you consider a brilliant venture. So, follow your passion and gut. But, though it’s easy to laugh at the comments that were made when these companies were starting up, many startups don’t always have it easy. That means there is a lesson to learn here. But, provided you are confident, resilient, and hardworking, you will most likely accomplish your dreams. Just focus on what you want to do and do it your best.

Article by Henry Mugambi- CEO and Founder of Bishop Writers