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AppFolio

AppFolio – A firm that revolutionized the way business grow with its topmost property and investment SaaS applications

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Over the years, Software-as-a-service i.e., SaaS is getting attention from all kinds of businesses. Because it offers multiple benefits over standard software installation methods, previously used in a business environment. There are several firms out there that provide SaaS applications, but a few provide such services to the real estate vertical market. AppFolio is one of such firms that offers SaaS applications and services to many businesses, including the real estate vertical. The firm is most active in cloud-based property management software solutions/services. Also, it works in data analytics for the real estate profession.

In 2006, the firm has started a journey to revolutionize the way of business growth. However, it explores the business by acquiring satisfied customers in a very short duration. Currently, it is active in LA, San Diego, Boston, etc. While it is headquartered in Goleta, California. 

How AppFolio is formed?

The foundation of business is laid on the belief to transform the way a business grows. Keeping in mind the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, the firm opens the office in 2006. After a year, they launched the AppFolio Property Manager as their first product. Soon, it has received a good response in a vertical market. Thereafter, the firm has launched another SaaS application for investment management. It doesn’t stop here, on top of that, it has acquired legal practice management software firm MyCase. However, it then sold in 2020 for 193 dollars to Apax Funds. 

In 2015, the firm has entered into the real estate software business with the acquisition of RentLinx. This acquisition helped AppFolio to get more clients and included its name in a greater listing presence. Moreover, it has acquired WegoWise and Dynasty Marketplace in consecutive years 2018-19. 

Products and services

AppFolio Property Manager offers an all-in-one platform for leasing, accounting, marketing, and management functionality. It is not made for only large size businesses. While it can be used for both professional and personal purposes. Recently, in 2018, the firm has launched its plus version. Apart from that, it has created a SaaS application for real estate investment management too.

Glimpse to masterminds at AppFolio

AppFolio Founders
Jon Walker and Klaus Schauser
Image Source: appfolioinc.com and prweb.com

Jon Walker

He is presently operating as CTO and holds an equal contribution as Klaus to enabling the digital transformation of the firm. As well, he is playing an important role to drive AI and technology vision for it. Before that, Jon leads various top positions throughout his career. Like senior technologist at many prestigious firms. Apart from that, he has dozens of patents on his name. As a matter of fact, Walker has guided world-known software used in 20+ million computers globally.

Coming to his education, he is honored with a B.S. in Economics and Business from Westmont College. Prior to his industrial career, he was active in the teaching profession. He was a professor at several colleges in a computer science subject. 

Klaus Schauser

One of the co-founders of AppFolio has also founded Expertcity. He holds the position as a Chief strategist at AppFolio at present. However, he is also serving as CEO at GoToMeeting which he created too. Apart from that, K. Schauser has also taught CS at California University.

Jason Randall-CEO

AppFolio CEO
Image Source: appfolioinc.com

He is serving as President and CEO at the firm. As well, he is serving as one of the board of directors. J. Randell helped in cultivating the vision of AppFolio and help in making it bigger and successful. Randell joined the leadership team at AppFolio in 2009, and since then he holds many leading positions. His leadership at AppFolio added the company’s name to the list of best places to work in 2020. As well, Glassdoor honored him by including his name in the Top CEOs list. Before starting his career at the firm, he worked at many SaaS application firms like Citrix Online. However, he studied B.S. in environmental studies at the University of California. 

AppFolio at present

In 2020, it received Glassdoors’ employee choice award. As well, it is amongst the fastest growing firms in North America. With innovative products, it has a grown number of customers over the years. Knowing the present market deeply, AppFolio is one of the tech leaders of forthcoming years.

Corning

Corning – How the firm has delivered many life-changing inventions including Gorilla Glass

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Corning, the best-known multinational company that specializes in material science has delivered several life-changing inventions. Particularly, glass and ceramic science as well as optical physics are the main areas of Corning. For manufacturing the best products, the firm has sustained investment in research and development. As well, Corning is popular amongst clients for trust-based relationships and commitment to delivered category-defining products. Display technologies, life sciences, specialty materials, environmental technology, and optical communication, are the foremost business sectors of the firm. Most importantly, Corning is world-famous for its Gorilla glass that finds useful to many smartphone companies. Since 2007, the firm has been working with Apple Inc as one of the main suppliers of the glass.

The backstory of Corning

In 1851, Amory Houghton set up Corning Glass Works in Somerville in Massachusetts. Later on, the firm has moved to Williamsburg, New York. At that time, it started manufacturing glass under the name Brooklyn Flint Glass Works. Once again, the firm has shifted to Corning, New York in 1868. Which later on became its world headquarters as well, recognized as Corning Inc. Meanwhile in 1908, the firm has started the first-ever industrial research lab that further expanded into an R&D facility.

Further exploration of the business

The firm has already acquired a huge market for its well-defined products. But the main turning point in the business of Corning’s business is seen when it started working with Apple. Apple, a giant smartphone firm made a deal with Corning to develop a robust display for its upcoming iPhone. At that time, many other well-known smartphone manufacturers including Nokia adopted the Gorilla glass screen of Corning. This made huge growth in Corning’s business, as well, enabled the firm to explore its R&D division.

Furthermore, the firm entered into manufacturing glass used in LCDs. In fact, the firm manufactures this kind of glass without heavy metals. Thereafter, it plunged into the communications industry with the production of optical fiber. It has started an optic fiber production unit called ClearCurve in 2007. The specialty of this unit was the use of nanostructure technology.

Corning’s contribution to industrial research and development

As of now, the firm has always innovated products that have shown useful results to simplify human’s life.  The firm also shares a major contribution in launching environment-friendly glass known as Lotus Glass. It is specially designed for the improvising performance of LCD and OLED displays.

Corning
Image Source: forbes.com

Recently, the firm has also engaged in research and development on green lasers’ impact on the glass. Likewise, Corning also involved in a research project on mercury abatement, microreactors, silicon, and photovoltaics reaction on the glass. Also, it is one of the supporters of life science research through its unique life science division. Mostly, life science research on stem cell culture products. Many people, unaware of the fact that almost 10% of Corning’s revenue is used for R&D. Apart from that, it has donated 300 million dollars for the expansion of the Sullivan Park research facility.

Other products

Other than manufacturing Glass and optic fiber, the firm has also manufacture ceramic emission control devices. These are generally used in gasoline engines of cars and light trucks.  Nowadays, it is also working to develop similar kinds of devices for diesel engines. Moreover, it is also manufacturing a low expansion glass. Such glass utilizes in space shuttles’ windows and in Steuben art glass.  In fact, Corning supplies all kinds of bulk or finished glass. Last year, Apple announced a 250 million dollars investment in Corning. So, most of the upcoming devices of Apple will be using Corning’s glass.

Wendell P. Weeks

He served in many prestigious positions at Corning. In 2005, he was appointed as Corning CEO while he is one of the board members since 2007. As well, he is one of the board directors at Corning. Wendell put immense efforts to make Corning a bigger and stronger company. Weeks associated with Corning since 1983, from handling financial to general management roles, he also played important role in the optical communication business. During his tenure as CEO, Wendell used acquisition strategy for many of its divisions. Such as Life sciences, Optical Communications, and Display technology. On top of that, he contributed to many innovations including Gorilla glass. Coming to his education, he holds a master’s in business administration from Harvard University.

Naspers

Naspers – Inspiring Journey of South Africa company to become the largest technology investor in the world

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South African companies are rarely the topic of discussion in the business world. However, it is untrue in the case of Naspers. Being one of the largest technology investors on the earth, Naspers is also a well-known internet and entertainment group in the world. Founded in 1915, the firm is responsible for building dozens of companies, directly or indirectly. Yes, it’s true! Today, dozens of companies are out there that Naspers has either invested, built, or acquired. Thus, many of us use the products and services from such firms that are linked somehow with Naspers. The firm is also listed on London Stock Exchanges and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. As well, it’s well-known in the global market as a long-term growth potential investor.

Naspers evolution of the business

Naspers
Image Source: en.wikipedia.org

Established to print Dutch newspapers in South Africa, Naspers has seen lots of structural and functional changes since 1915. Well, it is not easy to stand out for such a long period with the continuous growth that Naspers has achieved. Looking at the evolution of the Naspers’ business, one can notice how steadfastly it has risen as a global entertainment group. Started from producing a Dutch language newspaper, it then entered in book publications in the middle of the 1920s. While it maintained and grew the business in the same field for more than 50 years. However, this helped Naspers to become one of the leading media groups in the African region. Thereafter, it entered the Pay TV business in 1985. Meanwhile, at the beginning of 2001, the firm offered investment in Tencent Holdings. From that time, it marked the beginning of its rise as the leading entertainment and internet group in the world.

Investments and Acquisitions

Knowing the importance and future of the Edtech platform, Naspers invested in Udemy and Codecademy in 2016. Prior to that, it has also acquired majority shares in OLX to kick start the global online classifieds business segment. As well, the firm has an 80 million dollars investment in Swiggy, the online food delivery platform. In fact, it became the largest shareholder after investing in Delivery Hero. Moreover, Naspers is also active in the B2C eCommerce segment with the acquisition of Allegro, which later on disinvested for 3.253 billion dollars.

Naspers Foundry- Helping hand for South African Entrepreneurs

Naspers helped in growing the business of many leading firms those services used by millions of people on daily basis. However, it is also helping thousands of newbie entrepreneurs with its Naspers Foundry. Its an initiative started to helped skilled and ambitious entrepreneurs of South Africa. Keeping in mind the importance of local businesses, the company offers funds and knowledge to assist them succussed. The ultimate aim of this initiative is to boost the economy of the country. Thus, this initiative mostly preferred black-owned start-ups in the region.

Companies build by Naspers

The firm is best known for investing in various sectors across the world. Prosus is one such group supported by the company. It is among the largest technology investors in the world. Best known as a strategic investor, Prosus focuses on building high-tech companies based on long-term value creation. Consequently, contributing to improving the daily lives of people in a high-growth market.

Another firm Media24 is working in publication and is known as the leading media group in Africa. However, it is also working to build digital media and eCommerce business based on the evolving requirements of the field. Apart from that, Naspers also has a presence as an e-commerce retailer through its company Takealot. It is also the largest e-commerce retailer in southern Africa known for its customer-centric online shopping platform. Mr. D Food, PayU, Superbalist, Autotrader, OLX, and Property24 are some of the companies that operate under Naspers.

Naspers at Present 

Set up in 1915, the firm has transformed into one of the largest tech investors in the world. Over the years, it has also become a global consumer internet company. Apart from investing and building several global firms, Naspers always helped the South-African community in many ways. Like its Naspers Foundry, the firm has started Naspers Labs in 2019. Through this, the company is offering another helping hand towards South African Youths. An unemployed South African youngster between 17 to 25 ages, hailing from low-income families, and urban setting will be beneficiated through this program.

Bob Van Dijk – CEO

Presently, Bob Van Dijk is serving as CEO at Naspers since 2014. He joined the firm as Chief financial officer at Allegro in 2013. Within a year, Bob got promoted to the chief executive officer at Naspers. Graduated in MSc econometrics, he also holds an MBA from INSEAD. Dijk started his career at McKinsey & Company, and presently counted among well-experienced personnel in online growth of business and management.

Oppo

OPPO – How the firm became a leading smartphone brand providing cut-edge technology at affordable rates?

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When do we ask anyone what is the inseparable part of your life, then what will be the answer? Do you also think of a smartphone? Actually, it is expected to answer by more than 95% of individuals. Starting from the morning alarm, taking selfies to send good night texts; the smartphone is included in our daily routine. Nowadays, it is also a good medium to earn bread and butter as well. Yes, one can earn money through smartphones as it can do the tasks of a laptop. As well, it is easy to take anywhere. Most of the influencers, TikTokers, and those who use social media as an earning platform uses smartphones as well. So, no doubt, a smartphone needs to be super advance for such people. Also, selfiholics demand the best quality camera at an affordable price.

In this case, OPPO is the best smartphone loved by many youngsters. It of course provides a wide range of smartphones created using cut-edge technology. Apart from that, it also has a variety of product ranges. Such as smartwatches, amplifiers, headphones, and other smart devices. Other than that, the firm also provides internet services and operating system for the users. Today, it has a significant presence in over 40+ countries and has many customers in the Asiatic region. To deliver cut edge technology, it has 6 research centers and 4 R&D centers located all across the world.

About OPPO

OPPO
Image Source: youtube.com

It is one of the leading brands known globally for its smart appliances. Headquartered in Dongguan, Guangdong, the firm is popular as the chief smartphone manufacturer in China. Registered in 2001, OPPO now has expanded all over the world. In 2019, it was the top smartphone brand in China. On top of that, it was also ranked as fifth in worldwide market share. Mainly recognized for smartphones, OPPO also manufactures a wide range of smart devices. The first mobile phone of the firm was launched in 2008. Since then, it is working to deliver innovative technology with appealing satisfaction through its devices. OPPO smartphones are popular among youngsters for the best camera, super display, and supercharging.

History and exploration

Back in 2001, the firm has registered as OPPO in China by founder Tony Chen. But it actually entered the market in 2004. In 16 years of journey, the firm has expanded all over the world. The firm has launched its smartphones in Thailand in 2010, marked the beginning of the global expansion. Chinese youngsters favored OPPO after it launched a face beautification feature in 2012.

Evolution didn’t stop here, in 2013, OPPO set the record after launching the smartphone with a rotating camera for the first time in the world. Last year, it launched 1st 5G phone of the firm in the European market. Today, it is a tough competitor to Xiaomi and Vivo. Tony Chen is the founder and present CEO at OPPO, who is responsible for limits the iPhone wave in China.

OPPO as a sponsor and global partner

It sponsored the Indian national cricket team in 2017. As well, it was the partner in sponsorship to the French Open Tennis Tournament, 2019. Apart from being a sponsoring partner of Wimbledon (5 Years), it also a smartphone partner for League of Legends esports through 2024.

OPPO’s smart devices

As said earlier, it is well-known for smartphones, it is also providing a variety of other smart appliances. The high-end headphones and amplifiers of the firm also famous in the electronics market. Recently in 2020, the firm launched its first smartwatch in China’s market.

OPPO Reno4 Pro, OPPO Reno3 Pro, OPPO F17 Pro, OPPO F17, OPPO F15, OPPO A15s, and OPPO A15 are some well-known smartphone models of the firm. As well, its OPPO A12 is well known for storage capacity, and better performance. While OPPO A31 is one of the latest models launched recently. It also manufactures smart accessories like OPPO Enco W51, W11, and Free.

Bottom Line

Started in 2001, the firm is based on a vision to make the world better through its innovative approach in a sustainable manner. Presently, more than 20k employees serving at OPPO, worldwide. The firm has marked the beginning in China with a smartphone which was then included in the global smartphone industry. Presently, it has acquired most of the users because of its high-tech appliances that come at affordable prices. 

KDDI Logo

KDDI – Born out of a merger with Kazuo Inamori’s DDI that revolutionized the Japanese mobile telecommunication industry

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Japanese telecommunications organization called KDDI is known for providing cellular service in the country. It is born out of the merger of KDD, IDO, and DDI in 2000, renamed as KDDI. Headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, the firm served various telecommunication services under various brands. Such as it has mobile cellular service under brand name au by KDDI, and international voice and data service are provided under the brand “an Hikari”. However, its brand-named au one net is related to ISP network services. In 2011, KDDI was in news for purchasing CDNetworks for big money.

KDDI backstory of foundation

Traces of KDDI’s establishment are found in the DDI’s history. DDA aka Daini Denden, founded by Kazuo Inamori shifted the focus on the cell phone business amid deregulation of the telecom industry of japan. That time, it got a golden chance to explore the business, the deal was to merge with KDD and IDO. So, that’s how it emerged as KDDI in 2000, and the Japanese witnessed the emergence second-largest telecom service provider in Japan.

Further exploration

Just after two years of merger, brand new KDDI boomed in the telecommunication industry of Japan. All get started with the launch of the 3G network, based on CDMA2000 1x technology. Thereafter, the firm launched the CDMA 1X WIN brand to provide EV-DO Rev 0 service. With this, the firm introduced fixed rated data subscriptions plans for the first time in Japan. It was the revolutionary step introduced in the Japanese telecommunication industry. Not only this but KDDI also launched the first carrier service with a data rate of 3.1Mbit/s in 2006. Prior to that, the firm also introduced a ringtone download service called Chaku Uta Full. More than 10 million full-length songs had downloaded through this service within six months.

KDDI also entered in wireless data services, with a brand called EZ. In fact, it is one of the successful service ranges enabled by KDDI. The firm never limits the business to specific services, rather it has plunged into a variety of telecom services as per the need. This strategy leads to the continual growth of KDDI.  One of such examples of this strategy is reflected in an agreement sign with the Myanmar state. As per the agreement, KDDI along with one more partner can operate mobile phone service in Myanmar from July 2014 till the next 10 years. As well, it has set consumer showroom called KDDI Designing Studio. It also became a partner with Ericsson to develop 5G technology that will be delivered in near future.

Other Services and Products

Being 2nd largest cellular operator in Japan, it has acquired many customers in the country. With affordable cellular plans and fixed data rates, it also has numerous 3G subscribers in the region. Apart from that, KDDI has also developed applications for its customers, like its Mapion Local Search. It is pointing local search application launched in 2006. It was the first-ever such kind of application introduced in Japan, powered by GeoVector. Another well-known product of KDDI is Media Skin. A brand-new designer phone which also displayed at the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Later on, in 2007, the firm started selling Media Skin.

Glimpse to Masterminds involved in KDDI Success

KDDI founder Kazuo Inamori
Image Creator: Akio Kon | Image Credit: Bloomberg

Kazuo Inamori

Born in 1932, Inamori is a well-known businessman, philanthropist, and entrepreneur hailed from Japan. Apart from founding KDDI, he also helped in the foundation of Kyocera. As well, he served as a chairman at Japan’s airlines.

Early life and Career

Graduated from Kagoshima University, Inamori worked at Shofu industries as a researcher in his early career. At that time, he was part of many important developments in the telecommunication sector. For example, the development of high-frequency insulator components. With his colleagues, he also set Kyoto Ceramic later renamed Kyocera.

Well, this was the period when he created his very own Amoeba Management system for the company’s profit. In 1984, after deregulation of the Japanese telecom sector, he set up Daini Denden(DDI) Which later on became KDDI. Apart from industrial reforms, he also served as the international advisor of Goldman Sachs Group. As well, he became Japan Airlines CEO at the age of 77.

Trimuph of Kazuo Inamori

He has been honored with many prestigious awards for his industrial as well as social work. Apart from that several Universities awarded him Honorary Doctorate. Some of the renowned awards of Mr. Kazuo are International Citizens Award (2011), and Othmer Gold Medal, 2011. Recently, in 2019, he has been honored as an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Takashi Tanaka

He is the present CEO at KDDI since 2018. Tanaka also one of the board members at Okinawa Cellular Telephone Co. In his early career, he served as Chairman for UQ Communications, Inc.

Deutsche Telekom

Deutsche Telekom – Evolution of the business from being government to a private company

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Nowadays, most of the applications run on the internet. In fact, these applications are an integral part of our day-to-day life. Like chilling with Netflix, sending videos and images, connecting with friends online. As well, an internet connection is needed even for getting help from Alexa, Google assistance, and another similar device. However, for all this internet must be fast enough. As technology evolves the leads to many advances in devices. Thus, in such case, needed faster internet connectivity. It means both home and business need more data transfer at a higher speed.

While Deutsche Telekom is the one-stop for all such customer’s needs. Fulfilling the needs of 200+ million mobile users, and about 21 million broadband users, the firm also has over 27 million fixed network users. Started as a conventional telephone company, it has transformed into a new integrated telecommunication firm. Apart from the core business of selling networks and connections, it has also sought new opportunities from time to time. Thus, growing the business all across continents. Germany based firm Deutsche Telekom has its offices in 50+ countries.

About Deutsche Telekom

It is part of a group of leading integrated telecommunications firms on the planet. Primarily, it provides internet connectivity, fixed network, broadband, and other mobile communication services to the customers. As well, it offers IPTV products and ICT solution for small to large size businesses. Whereas, all services come with complete security storage, which is the need of the present world.

Deutsche Telekom
Image Source: asystems.as

On the international level, Deutsche Telekom is known for its efficient networks. In fact, its network solution is sufficient to meet the rising demand for broadband in the upcoming years. As well, it is way intelligent to kick start the new business. We can say it is sufficient enough to power up the entire industry. Like healthcare, the energy sector, the automotive industry, etc.

Services offered

Apart from offering the best service in network sales and connectivity, it also offers cloud-based services. In fact, it plunged into the new business fields as per the future requirements. Like IoT, M2M, and Industrial Internet. Deutsche Telekom is well-known for its wide range of integrated solutions, assist to shape other businesses.

How Deutsche Telekom is formed?

Well, it’s all get started in 1947. At that time, Germany was under the rule of the federal government. For the postal administration, the government created Deutsche Bundespost, which later on became west Germany’s key telephone firm. Meanwhile, in 1989, post office reforms in Germany gave birth to Deutsche Telekom. It was one of the parts of Deutsche Bundespost that were fragmented into three parts. Thereafter, the firm became private in 1996. Prior to that, Deutsche had a monopoly in Germany as a major Internet service provider. However, the firm has witnessed a major transformation in its business structure till 2005. In the same year, it started the Broadband /Fixed Network strategies business unit, out of the merger of its T-Mobile and T-Com units. Later on, this structure was also altered and it launched a new business unit called T-Home.

Triumphs of Deutsche Telekom

Deutsche Telekom and its other subsidiaries are working to accelerate innovation in the telecom sector. The launch of the Telecom Infra Project was one of the initiatives to do so. It was introduced in 2016 in association with big IT firms like Facebook, Intel, Nokia, and two others. On top of that, it joined a HAPS Alliance recently in 2020. With this, the firm is assisting to promote high-altitude vehicles for eliminating the digital divide. Recently, the subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile US acquired Sprint this year.

Based on the vision to offer more, the firm never compromised its commitment to sustainable development. For that, it has also started the “We Care for Our Planet” program. This initiative turned out as a milestone for climate and resource protection.

Later achievements under Timotheus Höttges

He is active as the CEO of Deutsche Telekom form 2014. Earlier, he was a member of the board of management at the firm. Timotheus played an important role to extend the broadband and fixed network business in Germany. One of the business segments of Deutsche Telekom, T-Home had dominated the telecom market under his policies. Also, he implemented several strategies to cut down the cost in business.  Well, his experience as a project manager, helped in acquisition strategies of Deutsche Telekom.