Before WhatsApp or Messenger, there was ICQ — a revolutionary platform created in 1996 by the Israeli company Mirabilis. It was the first instant messaging software that allowed real-time conversations across the world, completely changing how we communicate online.
The ICQ history began when four young Israeli entrepreneurs — Arik Vardi, Yair Goldfinger, Sefi Vigiser, and Amnon Amir — set out to design a tool that made it easier to find and connect with people on the internet. The name comes from the phrase “I Seek You”, perfectly capturing its purpose: to help people find each other instantly.
Mirabilis and Israel: where innovation was born
ICQ wasn’t just a tech breakthrough — it was a turning point that placed Israel on the global innovation map. Within a year of its release, it had over a million users — a massive achievement for the 1990s.
Its simple interface, iconic “uh-oh!” sound, and features like online status and offline messaging became the blueprint for modern chat apps.
In 1998, AOL acquired Mirabilis for $287 million, proving how powerful the idea had become. This deal made this idea one of the first major tech success stories to come out of Israel, strengthening its reputation as the Startup Nation.
The legacy of ICQ history
While ICQ no longer dominates the messaging world, its legacy lives on in every message we send. Apps like MSN Messenger, Skype, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp all borrowed ideas first introduced by ICQ.
And yes — still exists. In 2010, it was acquired by Russia’s Mail.ru Group (now VK). The platform later rebranded as ICQ New, offering mobile apps, video calls, and chatbots. Although its user base is much smaller, it remains a nostalgic favorite and a piece of digital history.
The story of ICQ is much more than just a chat app — it’s the starting point of modern digital communication. A reminder that creativity and ingenuity can transform the way the world connects.
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Xideral Team