Garmin

Garmin was founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min Kao in Lenexa, Kansas, initially named ProNav. Burrell had recruited Kao from defense contractor Magnavox, bringing together their expertise to create a company focused on Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Their first product, a GPS unit for boaters called GPS 100, debuted at the 1990 International Marine Technology Exposition and quickly secured 5,000 orders, signaling strong market demand.

The company soon renamed itself Garmin, a portmanteau of its founders' names. In 1991, the U.S. Army became an early customer, highlighting the versatility and reliability of their GPS systems. Garmin expanded its operations with a manufacturing facility in Taiwan the same year. By 1995, the company's sales reached $102 million, demonstrating rapid growth and profitability.

A significant early breakthrough came in 1994 with the release of the GPS 155, the first IFR-certified aviation navigation system, opening up the aviation market. Following this, the company introduced the GNS 430, an integrated avionics system, and the StreetPilot, its first portable car navigation system, further diversifying its product offerings and solidifying its position as a leading innovator in navigation technology.