❗Let's close the gap: We still need your help to raise $40,000 by April 1. Donate now
Marketplace Tech for Thursday, February 20, 2014
Feb 20, 2014

Marketplace Tech for Thursday, February 20, 2014

HTML EMBED:
COPY

Facebook announced it is buying WhatsApp, the messaging smartphone service, for $19 billion. WhatsApp lets users text free of charge. Facebook paid $16 billion for WhatsApp, plus an additional $3 billion in restricted stock that will be paid out to WhatsApp employees over the next four years. 

Venture capitalists have been eyeing instant messaging technologies like WhatsApp as one of the most promising growth sectors for 2014. Think back to Facebook's $3 billion offer for Snapchat (the one they turned down).


Facebook announced it is buying WhatsApp, the messaging smartphone service, for $19 billion. WhatsApp lets users text free of charge. Facebook paid $16 billion for WhatsApp, plus an additional $3 billion in restricted stock that will be paid out to WhatsApp employees over the next four years. 

Venture capitalists have been eyeing instant messaging technologies like WhatsApp as one of the most promising growth sectors for 2014. Think back to Facebook’s $3 billion offer for Snapchat (the one they turned down).

The future of this podcast starts with you.

Every day, the “Marketplace Tech” team demystifies the digital economy with stories that explore more than just Big Tech. We’re committed to covering topics that matter to you and the world around us, diving deep into how technology intersects with climate change, inequity, and disinformation.

As part of a nonprofit newsroom, we’re counting on listeners like you to keep this public service paywall-free and available to all.

Support “Marketplace Tech” in any amount today and become a partner in our mission.