Dive into the captivating world of renowned brands with our article, “Fascinating Facts About Famous Brands Unveiled!” Unearth the hidden stories behind industry giants like Apple, Google, Coca-Cola, and more. From unexpected origins to quirky logo anecdotes, discover the intriguing details that make these brands truly exceptional. Join us on a journey beyond the familiar logos and slogans to explore the lesser-known, yet utterly fascinating, aspects of your favourite companies. Get ready to be surprised and entertained by the untold tales of innovation, creativity, and trivia that shape the narratives of these iconic brands.
1. Apple:
- Apple was founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne.
- The first Apple computer, the Apple I, was sold as a kit and didn’t have a keyboard, monitor, or case.
- The first Apple logo featured Sir Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree, but it was quickly replaced by the iconic bitten apple design.
2. Google:
- Google’s original name was “Backrub,” a search engine developed by Larry Page and Sergey Brin.
- The company’s headquarters, known as the Googleplex, features amenities like free meals, gyms, and recreation areas.
- The domain name “Google.com” was actually a spelling mistake. The founders intended to name the company “Googol,” a mathematical term for the number 1 followed by 100 zeros.
3. Coca-Cola:
- Coca-Cola was invented by John Stith Pemberton in 1886 as a medicinal drink.
- The Coca-Cola logo is recognized by 94% of the world’s population.
- The secret formula for Coca-Cola is stored in a vault at the World of Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta, Georgia, and has been a closely guarded trade secret for over a century.
4. Amazon:
- Amazon was initially an online bookstore when it was launched in 1994 by Jeff Bezos.
- The company’s first name was “Cadabra,” but it was changed to Amazon to reflect the scale of the business (inspired by the Amazon River).
- Amazon’s first logo, designed in 1994, featured a river winding through the company’s name, symbolizing the vast selection of books they offered. The current logo suggests a smile from A to Z.
5. Nike:
- The Nike swoosh logo was designed by Carolyn Davidson in 1971, and she was paid only $35 for her work.
- The company was initially called Blue Ribbon Sports before officially becoming Nike, Inc., in 1971.
- The term “Nike” is derived from the Greek winged goddess of victory. The famous “Just Do It” slogan was inspired by the final words of a convicted murderer before his execution.
6. Microsoft:
- Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975.
- The first product developed by Microsoft was a version of the BASIC programming language for the Altair 8800.
- The default Microsoft Office font, Calibri, played a role in a major political scandal. In 2017, the font was used in documents that became central to the Panama Papers leak.
7. McDonald’s:
- The first McDonald’s restaurant was opened by Richard and Maurice McDonald in 1940 in San Bernardino, California.
- McDonald’s iconic Golden Arches logo is one of the most recognized symbols in the world.
- The Filet-O-Fish sandwich was created in 1962 by a McDonald’s franchise owner in Cincinnati to cater to his Catholic customers who abstained from eating meat on Fridays.
8. Toyota:
- Toyota is the world’s largest car manufacturer, producing over 10 million vehicles annually.
- The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars of all time.
- Toyota started as a textile business and only later transitioned to automobile manufacturing. The company’s first car, the Toyoda AA, was produced in 1936.
9. Samsung:
- Samsung started as a small trading company in Korea in 1938 and has since become a global conglomerate.
- The name “Samsung” translates to “three stars” in Korean.
- Samsung began as a small trading company and initially dealt with groceries, dried-fish, locally-grown groceries, and noodles before diversifying into various industries.
10. Tesla:
- Tesla, Inc. was founded by Elon Musk, Martin Eberhard, Marc Tarpenning, JB Straubel, and Ian Wright.
- Tesla’s electric cars are known for their cutting-edge technology, and the company is a major player in the development of autonomous driving.
- The name “Tesla” is a tribute to the Serbian-American inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla. Elon Musk reportedly chose the name because he wanted the company to be associated with innovation and cutting-edge technology.
Also Read: 10 Fascinating Facts About Starbucks You Didn’t Know