SanDisk Corporation

In 1988, the world of data storage was dominated by bulky, moving parts. But three individuals, Dr. Eli Harari, Sanjay Mehrotra, and Jack Yuan, envisioned a different future. They founded SanDisk with a focus on non-volatile memory technology, what we now know as flash memory. Their goal was to create a solid-state storage solution that was more durable and portable than the existing hard drives. The company's early years were dedicated to research and proving the commercial viability of flash memory. A major breakthrough came with the development of the CompactFlash card in 1994, which set a new standard for digital cameras and other portable devices. This innovation positioned SanDisk at the forefront of the digital imaging revolution. In November 1995, SanDisk went public with an Initial Public Offering, providing the capital needed to scale production and further its research and development efforts. Throughout the 2000s, SanDisk continued to innovate, introducing a variety of formats like SD cards and USB flash drives that became ubiquitous for consumers and professionals alike. The company navigated the highly competitive and cyclical semiconductor industry by focusing on manufacturing efficiency and expanding its product lines. This journey culminated in a significant event in 2016 when Western Digital, a giant in hard disk drives, acquired SanDisk for approximately $19 billion. This strategic acquisition merged two storage powerhouses, combining Western Digital's leadership in hard drives with SanDisk's expertise in flash memory.