Edgar Cervantes from Android Authority discusses the humble beginnings of major tech companies such as Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Google, which started in basements, garages, dorm rooms, or makeshift home offices. However, the origins of tech giants in Asia and Europe are not as straightforward. For example, Samsung, known today as a major player in the Android market, started by selling noodles.
Samsung was founded in 1938 in Taegu by Lee Byung-Chull as a trading company selling dried fish, fruits, vegetables, and noodles. After the Korean War, Samsung expanded into textiles, retail, securities, insurance, and industrialization to help rebuild the country. It wasn’t until 1969 that Samsung Electronics was established, which is now the company’s major business.
Samsung Electronics started with black-and-white TVs in 1969 and later expanded into producing color TVs, calculators, refrigerators, and air conditioners. The company released its first cell phone in 1988 and continued to innovate with new models, eventually becoming a major force in the smartphone industry with the Galaxy S3.
Samsung is not only known for its smartphones but also leads in consumer electronics, making items like Windows laptops, Chromebooks, audio products, televisions, and home appliances. Additionally, Samsung is involved in various industries such as shipbuilding, construction, insurance, theme parks, advertising, hotels, resorts, and fashion, making it a diverse and influential company in South Korea and beyond.