Internet Computer (ICP) is a decentralized blockchain platform created by DFINITY, a blockchain startup founded by Dominic Williams in 2016. Williams is a computer scientist and mathematician who previously worked at Microsoft and was involved in several startups in the tech industry.

The Internet Computer platform was designed to be a more efficient and secure alternative to existing blockchain platforms like Ethereum. One of the key features of ICP is the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), a new protocol that enables a more efficient and scalable way to build and run decentralized applications.

ICP also offers a number of other features that make it an attractive option for developers. For example, it allows developers to build dApps in a variety of programming languages, including Rust, Motoko, and C++. This makes it easier for developers to build on the platform.

ICP also includes features like smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts that can be programmed to automatically execute when certain conditions are met. Smart contracts can be used to automate a wide range of processes, from financial transactions to supply chain management.

In addition to these features, ICP is also designed to be highly interoperable with other blockchain platforms. This means that developers can build applications on ICP that can communicate with applications on other blockchains, making it easier to create complex, multi-chain applications.

The Internet Computer platform was launched to the public in May 2021 after several years of development and testing. The launch was highly anticipated and received significant attention from investors and the wider blockchain community. Before its launch, DFINITY raised over $121 million in funding from a variety of investors, including Polychain Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and the Tezos Foundation.

Despite some initial technical challenges and market volatility, the Internet Computer community remains active and continues to develop new use cases for the platform. Some of the use cases being explored include decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, supply chain management, and digital identity solutions.