Spotify (SPOT +0.03%) is a major player in the global music streaming space. Founded in 2006 by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon, the platform was designed to allow music lovers access to a quality selection of listening options while solving the issue of piracy plaguing the industry at the time.
As an early mover in the streaming space, the Stockholm-based company has been able to amass and maintain significant market share through the years. Its freemium revenue model -- which consists of a free, ad-supported tier and a paid, ad-free tier -- and extensive library of audio options that range far beyond music continue to contribute to the growth of its massive user base.