Twitch is a popular live streaming platform that has gained immense popularity in recent years. It allows gamers to stream their gameplay and interact with their audience in real-time. With millions of daily users and a thriving community, many people are curious about who actually owns Twitch.
Who Owns Twitch?
Twitch was originally founded by Justin Kan and Emmett Shear in 2011. However, in 2014, the platform was acquired by none other than Amazon. That's right, the e-commerce giant purchased Twitch for a whopping $970 million in cash. This acquisition was a strategic move by Amazon to expand its reach in the gaming industry and tap into the growing market of online gaming and live streaming.
Since its acquisition, Twitch has continued to grow and evolve under the ownership of Amazon. The platform has introduced new features, expanded its user base, and even ventured into other areas such as music and creative arts streaming.
While Amazon is the official owner of Twitch, the platform operates as an independent subsidiary. This means that Twitch has its own management team and operates separately from Amazon. However, being part of the Amazon family has its perks. Twitch Prime, for example, offers benefits to Amazon Prime members, such as free in-game loot, ad-free viewing, and a free monthly subscription to a Twitch streamer of their choice.
In addition to Amazon, there are also several major stakeholders who have invested in Twitch over the years. Some notable investors include Sequoia Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, and Thrive Capital. These investments have helped fuel Twitch's growth and solidify its position as the leading live streaming platform in the gaming industry.
In conclusion, Twitch is currently owned by Amazon, who acquired the platform in 2014. Despite being owned by Amazon, Twitch operates as an independent subsidiary and has its own management team. The platform continues to thrive and attract millions of users worldwide, thanks to its vibrant community and constant innovation.