Private markets are generating valuations once reserved for the largest public corporations. From space exploration to artificial intelligence, the top private firms are now economic powerhouses.

In today’s fast-paced business world, where many startups struggle to survive beyond five years, there are a few remarkable companies that have been operating for centuries, even more than a millennium.

The speed at which the world’s largest corporations generate $100 million in sales reveals their operations' immense scale and ability to dominate global markets.