Companies established in 2013

Companies established in 2013 represent a significant cohort of modern enterprises founded during a period of robust technological innovation and economic recovery following the Great Recession. This year saw the launch of numerous ventures across diverse sectors, from artificial intelligence and fintech to direct-to-consumer retail and streaming media, many of which have grown to become industry leaders. The founding environment was shaped by advancements in cloud computing, widespread smartphone adoption, and evolving consumer behaviors, setting the stage for disruptive business models.

Notable technology companies

The technology sector in 2013 was marked by the founding of several influential companies specializing in software as a service, cybersecurity, and deep learning. UiPath, founded in Bucharest, emerged as a pioneer in robotic process automation, while CrowdStrike was established in Irvine, California to revolutionize endpoint security with its Falcon platform. In the field of artificial intelligence, OpenAI was launched as a research laboratory in San Francisco, with initial backing from Elon Musk and Sam Altman. Other significant launches included the communication platform as a service company MessageBird in Amsterdam and the data management firm Collibra, founded in New York City and Brussels.

Notable consumer goods and retail companies

This year witnessed the rise of digitally-native direct-to-consumer brands leveraging social media marketing and e-commerce. Hims was founded in San Francisco to provide accessible telehealth and personal care products, while Glossier, originating from a popular beauty blog into Glossier, transformed into a major cosmetics brand. In the food delivery and meal kit space, Blue Apron began operations, capitalizing on the demand for home cooking convenience. The footwear company Allbirds was also established, gaining fame for its sustainable wool runners and later expanding into apparel.

Notable financial and business services companies

The fintech revolution accelerated in 2013 with the creation of companies challenging traditional banking and payment systems. TransferWise (now Wise), co-founded by Taavet Hinrikus and Kristo Käärmann, offered a peer-to-peer model for low-cost international money transfers. Robinhood, launched in Menlo Park, California by Vladimir Tenev and Baiju Bhatt, popularized commission-free trading via a mobile app. In business services, the human resources software firm Gusto was founded to simplify payroll and benefits administration for small businesses, and the consulting firm West Monroe Partners expanded its operations significantly.

Notable media and entertainment companies

Media saw a shift towards streaming and digital content creation. Vox Media consolidated its network of digital brands, including The Verge and SB Nation, into a major modern publishing entity. The streaming television service Sling TV, launched by Dish Network, became a prominent over-the-top media service offering live cable television channels. In gaming, Niantic was spun out from Google as an independent company, later achieving global success with Pokémon Go. The podcast network and production company Wondery was also founded, becoming known for hit series like Dirty John.

Notable transportation and logistics companies

Innovation in logistics and mobility as a service defined this period. Rivian began serious development of its electric vehicles and battery technology under founder R.J. Scaringe. In China, Cainiao, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, was established to optimize the e-commerce giant's massive supply chain network. The last-mile delivery and logistics technology company Deliveroo expanded beyond its London origins into international markets, while Convoy launched in Seattle as a digital freight network aiming to disrupt the trucking industry.

Notable international companies by region

Globally, 2013 saw the establishment of key regional players. In Asia, the Singapore-based ride-hailing giant Grab was founded, competing fiercely with Uber across Southeast Asia. In Europe, the neobank N26 was created in Berlin, offering mobile-first banking across the Eurozone. From Africa, the payments and commerce platform Flutterwave was founded in Lagos, Nigeria, to facilitate business across the continent. In Latin America, the real estate technology firm Loft began operations in São Paulo, transforming the Brazilian property market. Category:Companies established in 2013