The document summarizes key events from WhatsApp's blog that trace the growth and evolution of the $16 billion startup. It notes how WhatsApp responded to users leaving Blackberry in 2009, launched beta testing in 2010, removed itself from Blackberry distribution in 2010 to focus on international growth, continually improved features based on user feedback, and released new features like voice messaging across all platforms to ensure accessibility. It highlights WhatsApp's focus on its 400 million users and commitment to them after being acquired by Facebook in 2014.

1. WhatsApp’s blog:
The telling diary
of a $16 billion startup
(and what we can learn from it)
Andre F. Bourque
Managing Editor, Technorati
WhatsApp’s blog: The telling diary of a 16 billion dollar startup | 20 Feb 14 | @SocialMktgFella

2. September 12, 2009
Company responds to users leaving BlackBerry for
Apple and Android smartphones
WhatsApp’s blog: The telling diary of a 16 billion dollar startup | 20 Feb 14 | @SocialMktgFella

3. January 28, 2010
“It’s broken, we’re fixing it, and keeping you informed…”
WhatsApp’s blog: The telling diary of a 16 billion dollar startup | 20 Feb 14 | @SocialMktgFella

4. April 3, 2010
Calling all users: We’d love to have you beta test us!
WhatsApp’s blog: The telling diary of a 16 billion dollar startup | 20 Feb 14 | @SocialMktgFella

5. September 19, 2010
Seeing a need for international adoption, WhatsApp
removes itself from AppWorld distribution.
WhatsApp’s blog: The telling diary of a 16 billion dollar startup | 20 Feb 14 | @SocialMktgFella

6. February 22, 2011
Aims to exceed both Apple and user expectations; focuses
on every single existing app feature to make it better.
WhatsApp’s blog: The telling diary of a 16 billion dollar startup | 20 Feb 14 | @SocialMktgFella

7. July 12, 2011
Constant user feedback, constant product evolution: “We
are continuing to work on adding cool group chat
features...if you have any feedback, let us know.”
WhatsApp’s blog: The telling diary of a 16 billion dollar startup | 20 Feb 14 | @SocialMktgFella

8. September 26, 2011
Company celebrates 1 million transactions per second on
a single device. By January, they hit 2 million tps.
WhatsApp’s blog: The telling diary of a 16 billion dollar startup | 20 Feb 14 | @SocialMktgFella

9. March 22, 2012
Handles rumors head-on, yet explains, “We would rather work
on cool new features…”
WhatsApp’s blog: The telling diary of a 16 billion dollar startup | 20 Feb 14 | @SocialMktgFella

10. December 29, 2012
Company stands its ground and reassures users.
WhatsApp’s blog: The telling diary of a 16 billion dollar startup | 20 Feb 14 | @SocialMktgFella

11. August 7, 2013
Company focuses on big updates and tells users, “From
now own we’ve simplified our business model so the first
year of use is free and only $.99 a year after that.”
WhatsApp’s blog: The telling diary of a 16 billion dollar startup | 20 Feb 14 | @SocialMktgFella

12. December 19, 2013
No user left untouched: Company releases voice messaging
across all platforms at once: “We put extra effort into making
sure that Blackberry, Nokia, and Windows phone users can
enjoy the same rich, powerful voice messaging experience.”
WhatsApp’s blog: The telling diary of a 16 billion dollar startup | 20 Feb 14 | @SocialMktgFella

13. February 19, 2014
400 million users, with credit going to each of them. “We also
heard from British woman who runs a charity in Uganda…[who]
uses WhatsApp to send daily reports, photos, and videos…”
WhatsApp’s blog: The telling diary of a 16 billion dollar startup | 20 Feb 14 | @SocialMktgFella

14. Facebook
Humble and dedicated: “Here’s what will change
for you, our users: nothing.”
WhatsApp’s blog: The telling diary of a 16 billion dollar startup | 20 Feb 14 | @SocialMktgFella

15. WhatsApp’s diary is
about the user.
Andre F. Bourque
Managing Editor, Technorati
WhatsApp’s blog: The telling diary of a 16 billion dollar startup | 20 Feb 14 | @SocialMktgFella