<P> The company was founded by Nick Woodman in 2002 . He was motivated by a tramp in 2002 surfing trip to Australia in which he was hoping to capture quality action photos, but could not because amateur photographers could not get close enough or buy quality equipment at reasonable prices . His desire for a camera system that could capture the professional angles inspired the' GoPro' name . </P> <P> Woodman raised a portion of his initial capital by selling bead and shell belts for under US $20 from his VW van and, later, fashionable camera straps . He also received over $230,000 from his parents to invest in the business . </P> <P> In 2004, the company sold its first camera system, which used 35 mm film . Digital still and video cameras were later introduced . As of 2014, a fixed - lens HD video camera with a wide 170 - degree lens was available; two or more can be paired to create 360 video . </P> <P> On June 4, 2014, the company announced the appointment of former Microsoft executive Tony Bates as President reporting directly to Woodman . </P>

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