Rewind & Capture

How Tech Brands Got Their Names

Why is Stripe Called Stripe?

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In most interpretations of the word forge, it is a strong word. You forge ahead when the going gets tough, making firm and steady progress. You forge something out of nothing through shear grit, strength and determination. These are the types of meanings Stripe co-founders John and Patrick Collison (brothers from Ireland) and CTO Greg Brockman had in mind when they considered the name for their new commerce startup. [Read more…]

Why is PayPal Called PayPal?

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Anyone with internet access will likely tell you that online shopping is the greatest thing since sliced bread, or at least since the invention of the internet. In most cases it’s quick, convenient and less invasive than brick and mortar shops, but like anything on the internet, it also comes with some risks. In some cases, sharing unsecured credit card or bank account information can lead to hacking and fraud.

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Why is WhatsApp Called WhatsApp?

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When he and his mother first immigrated to the U.S. with the help of government assistance, Jan Koum collected food stamps and swept grocery store floors to help keep the family afloat. More than 20 years later, the WhatsApp cofounder and CEO made a $19 billion dollar deal with Facebook near the same social welfare office in Mountain View, California where he stood in line more than once.

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Why is Shazam Called Shazam?

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It’s difficult to imagine now, but in the late 90s, getting information via mobile phones required a little more patience. There were no app stores, no Siris, no, ‘Okay, Google’s. Back then, (at the risk of sounding like my grandfather) you had to text mobile shortcodes to make online inquiries. 411, for example, is a directory shortcode, and in the early stages of Google mobile, you could text GOOGL at 46645 to settle an escalating friendly debate.

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Why is Waze Called Waze?

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For a short while, Google had a rival. At least, when it came to maps.

Founded in 2008, Waze briefly gave Google Maps a run for its money. The crowd-sourced map application, now led by CEO Noam Bardin in Palo Alto, California, offered something the reigning champ couldn’t – realtime updates from real-life drivers.

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