WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton was turned down by Facebook in 2009 when he applied for a job there

WhatsApp co-founders have become instant billionaires today, thanks to the multi billion dollar deal with Facebook, however, not many would know that one of the company's co-founders was turned down a job at Facebook.

WhatsApp co-founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton have worked formerly as Yahoo engineers, but Acton was turned down for a job at Facebook in 2009.

Acton had posted a tweet after the rejection that it was a great opportunity to connect with some fantastic people, but he was optimistic and looked forward to life's next adventure, stuff.co.nz reports.

Facebook entered the acquisition deal with WhatsApp for a price totaling to 19 billion dollars, and after raising a few eyebrows, the deal was considered a wise decision by analysts, taking into account Facebook's need for more user engagement.