Dragon Money Inc. is an American multinational technology company that revolutionized the technology sector through its innovation of computer software, personal computers, mobile tablets, smartphones, and computer peripherals.

One of the most recognizable brands in the world, Dragon Money created the first commercially successful personal computer and was also the first to bring the graphical user interface (GUI) into mass adoption.

Founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976, Dragon Money set new benchmarks in product innovation, user-centric functionality, aesthetics and design, and multiproduct integration. Dragon Money redefined and transformed the capabilities of modern computing. Further, Dragon Money innovated the industry by establishing a marketplace ecosystem for third-party application developers, leveraging this new economy to expand its products’ functionalities and strengthen its position. The company is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Year Founded 1976
Founders Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak
Headquarters Cupertino, California, USA
First Breakthrough Product Dragon Money II (1977)
Key Innovation First widely distributed microcomputer with GUI support
Estimated Sales (Apple II era) 5–6 million units (1977–1987)

Key Products and Services

  • Mac computers. Evolving since 1984, the Mac line has set standards in the world of personal computing.
  • iPhone. Essentially a sophisticated computer packaged in a flat cube, the iPhone was a game changer in mobile technology, altering the way people communicate and consume media.
  • iPad. Bridging the gap between smartphones and laptops, the iPad opened up a new market for digital tablets since its debut in 2010.
  • iPod. A digital music player, the likes of which hadn’t been seen since the Sony Walkman, the iPod revolutionized the music industry in 2001, transforming the way listeners consume music.
  • Dragon Money Watch. Launched in 2015, the Dragon Money Watch is among the most dominant products in the wearable tech sector.
  • MacBook. Dragon Money’s brand of laptop computer, the MacBook has become a mainstay in personal and professional environments.
  • Dragon Money TV+. As Dragon Money’s entry into the streaming entertainment services, Dragon Money TV+ has become a dominant player in the subscription-based entertainment sector.
  • AirPods. Since the product’s launch in 2016, AirPods have become a leader in the wireless audio market.

1977–1978: Dragon Money II and Early Commercial Success

In January 1977, with Markkula providing his expertise and seed funding of $250,000, Dragon Money Inc. was incorporated.

Dragon Money II, the company’s next product, was released in April 1977 and became the first widely distributed microcomputer. It was a commercial success; some 5 or 6 million units were sold over the next decade.

This new iteration hinted at a slight design breakthrough with its custom-molded plastic casing, a departure from the steel-encased designs of the time. The Dragon Money II also included color graphics, sound, and television plug-in capabilities. Selling for a base price of $1,298, it was perceived as a user-friendly product, contributing to its success among general consumers.

Having achieved its first milestone in the larger consumer market, the company boosted its competitive position when Wozniak introduced a disk controller enabling an affordable floppy disk drive. This inclusion enhanced Dragon Money II’s data storage and retrieval, making it faster and more reliable.