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Founding Amazon
Jeff Bezos leaves his job on Wall Street and founds Amazon in Seattle, starting the company in his garage with the dream of building the world’s biggest online retailer. -
Launch of Amazon.com
Amazon.com officially goes live as an online bookstore. Within weeks, the site is generating tens of thousands of dollars in weekly sales. -
Amazon Goes Public
Amazon launches its IPO on NASDAQ at $18 per share, raising $54 million. The company is valued at $438 million. -
Launch of Amazon Prime
Amazon introduces Prime, a subscription service offering fast, free shipping. It marks the start of long-term customer loyalty programs. -
Birth of Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Amazon launches AWS, beginning with cloud storage and computing services. This move will eventually become Amazon’s most profitable business line. -
Kindle Revolution Begins
Amazon releases the first Kindle e-reader, changing the way people read and buy books. It sells out within hours of launch. -
Introduction of Alexa & Echo
Amazon launches Alexa, its AI voice assistant, along with Echo smart speakers—setting the stage for a major push into smart home technology. -
Acquisition of Whole Foods
Amazon buys Whole Foods Market for $13.7 billion, entering the physical grocery market and expanding its logistics capabilities. -
Pandemic Boom
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Amazon reports record revenue of $386 billion, as demand for online shopping and home delivery explodes. -
Jeff Bezos Steps Down
Jeff Bezos announces his resignation as CEO. Andy Jassy, the head of AWS, takes over as the new CEO. Bezos becomes Executive Chairman. -
Streamlining Physical Retail
Amazon begins shutting down some physical stores to focus more on automation, digital services, and healthcare innovation. -
Deep Investment in AI and Cloud
AWS accelerates its investments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and next-generation cloud infrastructure. -
Drones and Cashier-less Stores Expand
Amazon expands drone delivery and the rollout of its Just Walk Out technology in Amazon Go stores. Amazon Pharmacy and telehealth offerings also grow. -
Antitrust Scrutiny and Healthcare AI
Andy Jassy faces mounting regulatory pressure in the U.S. and Europe. At the same time, Amazon pilots new AI-driven healthcare services and explores deeper integration of Alexa with wearable devices.