Rebranding is a method that is like to stepping on a thin sheet of ice where a single slip may spell instant disaster. The business world has experienced everything, from redesigned brand names to yearly modifications to logos.
Here Are Some Companies That Have Undergone Identity Changes Over Time
Burbn > Instagram
The photo-sharing app Burbn was the moniker given by Instagram creators Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger before they sold it to social media behemoth Facebook. Burbn was first developed with the intention of allowing iPhone users to check in, share pictures from events thereafter, and earn points while doing so. According to an article by The Atlantic, the app’s failure was caused by a number of challenging in-app features. After making various changes to the programme, the creators decided to concentrate on the photo-sharing feature and built what is now known as Instagram.
Confinity > PayPal
By 2023, India’s digital payments market is anticipated to reach $1 trillion. Prior to the development of this industry, the global payments leader PayPal dominated the online payment landscape. But were you aware that PayPal was first introduced as a service for sending money under a different name? Before joining forces with Elon Musk’s online banking startup X.com, it was known as Confinity.
Foodiebay > Zomato
Foodiebay, which was first launched as a food directory site in 2010, is today regarded as one of India’s largest foodtech unicorns. After two prosperous years as Foodiebay, the business changed its name to Zomato. Zomato’s cofounder Pankaj Chaddah and founder Deepinder Goyal guided the company to become India’s first foodtech unicorn. Zomato, which is currently valued at over $3 billion, recently made news by investing in Uber Eats. According to several analysts, this action might result in a Zomato-Swiggy duopoly in India.
BackRub > Google
The software giant’s name was originally BackRub to emphasise the link-back component before being altered to Google. The rebranding of BackRub to Google coincides with the company’s entry into new markets and the launch of multiple sub-brands. Google, founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, is presently regarded as one of the most successful businesses in the world. Sundar Pichai was appointed CEO of Google’s parent company Alphabet in December 2019, with both founders leaving daily operations to join the board of directors.
Odeo > Twitter
The change from Odeo to Twitter is considered as the most illustrious corporate rebranding in the annals of social media.Twitter was first introduced as a podcasting platform before changing its business strategy to become a microblogging site and mobile application. The dominant social networking platform feared its extinction as Apple iTunes dominated the podcast market.
Relentless > Amazon
Relentless, an online bookshop founded in 1996 by Jeff Bezos, the richest man alive, was subsequently renamed Amazon. The ecommerce behemoth’s numerous subsidiary companies are represented by the logo itself. In a recent visit to India, Amazon’s founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos, pledged to invest $1 billion there; thus far, Amazon has been unrelenting in its quest for ecommerce success.
UrbanClap > Urban Company
The Gurugram-based professional services marketplace UrbanClap changed its name to Urban Company in January 2020 and added six new subbrands. Given that it operates in countries including India, Australia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, the firm believes it sought a name that would be recognised worldwide.With its quick expansion and solid track record of finance, UrbanClap, now known as the “Now Urban Company,” is on the verge of joining India’s growing unicorn club.
Jerry’s Guide To The World Wide Web > Yahoo
A search tool for the internet under the moniker Jerry’s Guide To The World Wide Web, Yahoo was first a rival to Google before the latter accelerated its growth. It was founded by two Stanford graduates. The lengthy name was then abbreviated to the more memorable Yahoo!
AuctionWeb > eBay
When the online auction site eBay first debuted, its sole purpose was to connect buyers and sellers in a fair and transparent marketplace. AuctionWeb, which Pierre Omidyar founded in 1995, became known as eBay. Up until Bezos’ Amazon overtook eBay in terms of product sales, eBay was the biggest worldwide e-commerce platform.
Matchbox > Tinder
Numerous new applications and websites are being welcomed by the expanding online dating market to streamline and digitise dating and matchmaking for people.US-based Tinder, which debuted in India in 2016, was formerly known as Matchbox before adopting a catchier moniker that went viral right away.When compared to rivals like the Priyanka Chopra-backed dating app Bumble, the Indian online dating industry is predicted to reach a value of INR 10,000 Cr by 2021.
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