Jan Koum, the co-founder of WhatsApp, is a prominent figure in the technology industry known for his remarkable journey from a humble upbringing to creating one of the most widely used messaging platforms in the world. Born in Ukraine, Koum emigrated to the United States with his mother when he was 16, seeking better opportunities. His early experiences with technology and programming during his time as a janitor at a local grocery store paved the way for his future career. Koum's passion for technology led him to work at Yahoo!, where he spent nearly a decade and gained valuable experience in engineering and software development. In 2009, he teamed up with Brian Acton to launch WhatsApp, envisioning a simple and efficient way for people to connect globally. The app gained immense popularity, emphasizing user privacy and security, which distinguished it from competitors. In 2014, Facebook acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion, marking one of the largest tech acquisitions in history. As a staunch advocate for user privacy, Koum stepped down from Facebook in 2018 due to disagreements over data privacy issues. His journey from a refugee to a tech entrepreneur continues to inspire many, highlighting the importance of resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of one's dreams. Jan Koum is a Ukrainian-American technology entrepreneur, best known for co-founding WhatsApp. His early life was marked by challenges that shaped his determination and skill in programming. Koum's journey began in Ukraine, where he experienced poverty, but moved to the United States for better opportunities with his mother. He worked various jobs to support his family, which laid the groundwork for his tech career. While at Yahoo!, Koum honed his software engineering skills, which ultimately led him to create WhatsApp in partnership with Brian Acton. Their vision was to provide a simple communication tool that prioritized user privacy. The app's success skyrocketed, revolutionizing messaging worldwide and attracting the attention of Facebook. After Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp for $19 billion, Koum's stance on user privacy became a point of contention, leading to his departure from the company. Koum's story is a powerful example of overcoming adversity and achieving incredible success while remaining steadfast in his values.