Society has developed dramatically in the past 150 years, with groundbreaking innovations and globally influential companies shaping the way we live today. However, some of the people behind the products and services we take for granted have flown firmly under the radar.

From the inventor of the Bic pen to the woman who gave the world Barbie dolls, read on to discover the little-known entrepreneurs and innovators who played their part in changing the world.

All dollar amounts in US dollars