A lot of companies have been successful starting from a simple frustration. Some entrepreneurs see the opportunity in the problems, not just ones that happen day to day, but ones that are in the inconvenience, inefficiency, or unmet needs of their customers. They can transform a simple problem into a very profitable organization. Whether it’s technology platforms or household items, the world’s most popular companies have emerged from a need to solve a problem that isn’t being addressed. Here are eight entrepreneurs who turned real-world problems into major business success stories.
Sara Blakely
Sara Blakely had a problem finding well-fitting undergarments to wear under white pants. Of course, there was a problem that she took the “frustration” of the fashion industry and made it into a billion-dollar brand, and that is Spanx.
Brian Chesky
Brian Chesky and his co-founders put air mattresses up while hotels in San Francisco got too pricey for a conference. That quick fix would eventually turn into Airbnb.
Jan Koum
A simpler and cheaper means for people to communicate globally was what Jan Koum wanted. The solution that he came up with is WhatsApp, which is one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms.
Travis Kalanick
Travis Kalanick was involved in a battle to find a way to receive transportation on demand, which eventually led to the creation of Uber, a service that changed the way millions of people around the world get a ride to their destinations.
Melanie Perkins
Melanie Perkins realized that many users of professional design tools found them difficult to master. She is the co-founder of Canva, an organization that aims to simplify graphic design and to make it more accessible.
Reed Hastings
It is said that Reed Hastings was frustrated with the late fees he was charged by the traditional video rental stores. That frustration led to the birth of Netflix and a revolution in the entertainment industry.
Blake Mycoskie
Blake Mycoskie founded TOMS after traveling to Argentina and witnessing children without shoes. Blake Mycoskie created TOMS on a business model that involved giving back.
Nick Woodman
Nick Woodman wanted a better way to record his surfing and outdoor adventures. His answer turned out to be GoPro, a well-known worldwide action camera business.
