Platform Startups

Twitch started as a pivot from Justin.tv in 2011, transforming into a dedicated video game streaming platform founded by Emmett Shear and Justin Kan. By directly engaging with streamers and providing features they requested—including revenue opportunities, fan clubs, and customizable emoji—Twitch built a thriving community. The platform grew to 31 million daily visitors streaming trillions of minutes annually before being acquired by Amazon in 2014 for just under $1 billion.

Roblox is a platform launched in 2006 by David Baszucki and Erik Cassel where users can play millions of different games across virtual worlds, create their own games, and connect with others. During the pandemic in 2020, the platform became a major social hub for US kids, and the company is now valued at over $28 billion.