GoPro was founded in 2002 by Nick Woodman. Originally called Woodman Labs, Inc., Woodman wanted to capture his surfing expeditions via camera but was unable to find any affordable cameras that were able to get super close shots.
Woodman raised money for his company by selling various items out of the back of his van. His parents later invested $230,000 in their son’s ideas. The company’s first camera was produced in 2004 and used conventional 35mm film. Today, all cameras and video cameras are digital and record at 170 degree angles, with two cameras completing a 360 degree view.
GoPro revenue in its first year was $150,000. The second year saw revenue of $800,000. The third year was $3.4 million. Revenue in 2013 was $985.7 million. GoPro is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol: GPRO.
