Nokia, a renowned global telecommunications company, has left an indelible mark on the world of technology. Known for its innovative mobile phones, network equipment, and cutting-edge solutions, Nokia has been a key player in shaping the modern era of communication. But have you ever wondered who founded this influential company? In this article, we will discuss the history of Nokia and uncover the visionary minds behind its inception. From humble beginnings to becoming a global giant, let’s explore the journey of Nokia’s founders and their significant contributions to the world of telecommunications.
About Nokia
Nokia is a Finnish multinational telecommunications, information technology, and consumer electronics corporation, established in 1865. Nokia’s main headquarters are in Espoo, Finland, in the greater Helsinki metropolitan area, but the company’s actual roots are in the Tampere region of Pirkanmaa. In 2020, Nokia employed approximately 92,000 people across over 100 countries, did business in more than 130 countries, and reported annual revenues of around €23 billion.
Products of Nokia
Nokia has produced a wide range of products ↗ over the years, including mobile phones, networks, and consumer electronics.
Mobile phones
Nokia was one of the pioneers of the mobile phone industry, and its products were once some of the most popular in the world. Some of the most popular Nokia mobile phones include:
- Nokia 1100: This basic phone was one of the best-selling mobile phones of all time, with over 250 million units sold.
- Nokia 3310: This durable phone was another popular choice, and it was known for its long battery life.
- Nokia N95: This smartphone was one of the first to feature a large touchscreen display and a built-in camera.
- Nokia Lumia 920: This Windows Phone was one of the first to feature a high-definition display and a built-in camera with optical image stabilization.
Networks
Nokia is a leading provider of telecommunications networks. The company’s networks are used by operators around the world, and they support a wide range of services, including voice, data, and video.
Consumer electronics
In addition to mobile phones and networks, Nokia has also produced a range of consumer electronics products, including:
- Digital cameras
- Televisions
- MP3 players
- Portable gaming devices
Who founded Nokia?

Nokia was founded in 1865 by Fredrik Idestam ↗, a Swedish-born Finnish engineer. He established a paper mill on the banks of the Nokia River in southern Finland. The company was originally called Nokia Aktiebolag (Nokia Limited). In 1898, Nokia merged with another Finnish company, Suomen Gummitehdas Oy (Finnish Rubber Works), to form Nokia Corporation. The new company diversified into rubber products, cables, and electronics.
History
Nokia was founded in 1865 as a single paper mill operation. Through the 19th century, the company expanded, branching into several different products, including rubber, cables, and electronics. In 1967, the Nokia Corporation was formed.
In the late 20th century, Nokia took advantage of the increasing popularity of computers and mobile phones. The company’s mobile phone division became one of the most successful in the world, and Nokia’s products were known for their durability and user-friendliness. In 1998, Nokia became the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturer.
However, increased competition from other manufacturers, such as Samsung and Apple, led to a decline in Nokia’s market share. In 2014, Nokia’s mobile phone business was sold to Microsoft.
Current operations
Nokia is now focused on its networks and technology businesses. The company’s networks division provides telecommunications equipment and services to operators around the world. The technology division develops and manufactures products for the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and other areas.
Nokia is a major player in the development of 5G, the next generation of wireless technology. The company is working with operators around the world to deploy 5G networks.
Nokia in the future
Nokia is committed to being a leader in the telecommunications industry. The company is investing in research and development and is working to develop new products and services that will meet the needs of its customers. Nokia is also committed to sustainability and is working to reduce its environmental impact.
Nokia’s Impact on the World
Nokia has had a major impact on the world. The company’s mobile phones have made communication more affordable and accessible to people all over the world. Nokia’s networks have also played a key role in the development of the Internet. Nokia is a global leader in telecommunications, and the company’s products and services have helped to connect people and businesses around the world.