## Overview of Meta Platforms **Meta Platforms, Inc.**, formerly known as Facebook, Inc., is a leading American multinational technology company headquartered in Menlo Park, California. Founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, the company has evolved into a global social networking phenomenon, with a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse in recent years. ### History and Evolution Meta Platforms began as "TheFacebook" in 2004 and rebranded to Facebook, Inc. in 2005. In 2021, it transitioned to Meta Platforms, Inc., signaling a focus on building the metaverse—a digital ecosystem integrating virtual and augmented reality technologies. This rebranding reflects Meta's ambition to expand beyond social media into new tech frontiers[1][2]. ### Key Activities and Achievements - **Core Business**: Meta operates a "Family of Apps" including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, which collectively serve billions of users worldwide. The company's primary revenue source is digital advertising, with around 97.8% of its revenue coming from this sector as of 2023[2][5]. - **AI and Metaverse Investments**: Meta is aggressively investing in AI, with significant capital expenditures planned for AI infrastructure and talent acquisition. It has also acquired startups like Rivos to enhance internal semiconductor development[1]. - **Reality Labs**: This division focuses on developing VR/AR hardware and software, such as Quest headsets and Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, despite currently incurring losses[1]. ### Current Status As of September 2025, Meta holds a market capitalization of approximately $1.84 trillion to $1.87 trillion, positioning it as a major player in the global technology landscape[1]. The company recently announced a multibillion-dollar investment in AI startup Scale AI, further solidifying its commitment to AI advancements[2]. ### Notable Aspects - **Market Influence**: Meta is part of the