The Internet Association $($IA$,$ https:$//$internetassociation$.$org$/)$ was founded in $2012$ as a trade association devoted to Internet$-$based companies. Founding companies included Google, Amazon, eBay, and Facebook. These Internet$-$based companies founded this new trade group because they did not have a voice in Washington, DC$,$ with respect to potential regulations and laws. The IA has synergy$$more influence as a group than each company would have individually.

What prompted the formation of the IA$?$

Will small companies enjoy the same benefits of the larger founding organization?

Any new venture involves substantial risks and costs. How might a new Internet startup benefit from joining the IA$?$

How else do the large corporations benefit besides having a say in the political discussion in Washington, DC$?$

What benefits of a trade association may be not easily linked to membership expenses?