When it comes to the nature of a great company, we tend to be fooled by superficial criteria, such as the size of the market capitalization, the growth rate of revenue, or the global popularity of the brand. True greatness, however, is far more complex than these superficial figures. In my opinion, great companies have deep idiosyncrasies that demonstrate an unmatched ability to innovate, culture, sustainability, and contribute to society. To find such companies, we might as well turn to the tech stocks in the U.S. market, which are home to a number of exemplars that have been reshaping the way we live, work and communicate over the past decade or more.
What makes tech companies stand for great companies is first and foremost because of their ongoing ability to innovate. From Apple's iPhone revolution to Amazon's e-commerce empire to Google's information index and Tesla's electric car revolution, these companies are great because they are not satisfied with the status quo and are forever looking for ways to disrupt existing markets and create new ones. Their success is not just based on one-off product success, but the ability to roll out innovative solutions one after the other, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing market.
Great tech companies also have a unique corporate culture that encourages risk-taking, innovative thinking, and failure fast. In Silicon Valley, failure is seen as a prelude to success, and this culture has given birth to countless innovative technologies and business models that have changed the world. Google's "20% of the time" policy, for example, encourages employees to dedicate a portion of their working time to projects that interest them, giving rise to important products like Gmail and AdSense. This culture not only attracts the brightest minds in the world, but also provides a constant source of fuel for the company's continued growth.
Great companies also focus on sustainability. Today, this is not only about environmental sustainability, but also about sustainability in business models, chain management and employee well-being. Tech giants such as Apple and Google are emphasizing environmental responsibility in their operations and product design, seeking to reduce their impact on the planet. At the same time, they are working to create an inclusive, diverse and supportive work environment. This focus on continuity has not only increased public favorability, but has also earned the company long-term customer loyalty and employee engagement.
Great companies make a significant contribution to society through their products, services, and innovations. They solve practical problems, improve people's quality of life, and even change the way society works to a certain extent. These companies not only create economic value, but also have a profound impact on society.