WhatsApp Founder Faces Shocking Rejection from Facebook and Twitter

Facebook’s $19 B Takeover: The One Who Was Once Rejected by the Big Bad Wolf

It’s a Full‑Circle Moment

When Facebook announced that it is buying Brian Acton’s WhatsApp for a staggering $19 billion, the instant that good name comes back‑to‑front is that the same company—and others like Twitter—once turned him down. It’s kind of funny, like a comedian getting a shout‑out from the crowd thirty years after the joke.

Who’s Brian Acton?

Acton isn’t just a name; he’s the co‑founder of WhatsApp, the chat app that now powers more than a billion people worldwide. He once had a light‑bulb moment that ultimately made him a co‑founder with Jan Koum, who eventually grew the company into a juggernaut.

Rejected, But Not Unappreciated

Before turning WhatsApp into a success story, Acton sent a couple of quick little tweets that were a wall‑flower version of career rejection. It’s almost like a confession during a lull: “When it doesn’t work out, you keep building.”

July 23, 2009 – Twitter HQ: “Got denied by Twitter HQ. That’s ok. Would have been a long commute.” The message was short, sharp, and just about the long commute—no inferential damage.
August 3, 2009 – Facebook: “Facebook turned me down. It was a great opportunity to connect with some fantastic people. Looking forward to life’s next adventure.” A sigh, a polite closure, and an optimistic outlook.

Now That the Giants Are Paying Up

With the $19 billion deal, Acton finally gets a full‑page mention in the story that he once slipped through the cracks of tech’s biggest giants. He can lean back and say, “Ah, I’m a heavyweight player now, and the same company that rejected me is paying handsomely for my brainchild.” It’s a classic case of “try again later,” but now it’s money, not a single interview.

Key Points to Take Home

Acton’s partnership with Johnny (…sorry, Jan!) created WhatsApp, the messaging platform worth billions.
He was denied by both Twitter and Facebook, which gave him the space to start something new.
Facebook’s $19 billion purchase is a huge payoff, proving that “no” today can turn into “yes” (and dollars) tomorrow.

So, if you ever felt rejected by a company, remember Brian Acton. His story shows that sometimes one denial can lead directly to the next win—maybe even a 19‑billion‑dollar win. And you can brag about how the universe doesn’t just give you a second chance; it gives you a freaking giant one.