Jeff Bezos
| Jeff Bezos | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | January 12, 1964 Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Princeton University (B.S.E.) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Investor, Media Proprietor |
| Known for | Founder of Amazon Founder of Blue Origin Owner of The Washington Post |
| Net worth | US$190+ billion (2025 est.) |
| Title | Founder & Executive Chairman of Amazon Founder of Blue Origin |
Jeff Bezos is an American entrepreneur, technology leader, investor, and space visionary, best known as the founder of Amazon.com. Widely regarded as one of the most influential business figures of the 21st century, Bezos transformed the global retail and technology landscape and founded the space exploration company Blue Origin.[1]
Early Life and Education
Jeffrey Preston Bezos was born on January 12, 1964, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was raised in Houston, Texas, and later Miami, Florida. Bezos showed an early interest in technology and science.
He earned a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Princeton University in 1986. After graduation, Bezos worked at several Wall Street firms, including D.E. Shaw, where he rose to senior vice president before leaving to pursue his entrepreneurial dream. [2]
Founding Amazon
In 1994, Bezos moved to Seattle and started Amazon.com as an online bookstore from his garage. The company quickly expanded beyond books into electronics, clothing, and virtually every consumer category.
Amazon went public in 1997 and became a global leader in e-commerce. Bezos envisioned the platform as the “everything store”, prioritizing customer obsession, fast delivery, and low prices.[3]
Innovations and Business Growth
Under Bezos’ leadership, Amazon launched several groundbreaking innovations:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) – Launched in 2006, it became the leading cloud computing platform.
- Amazon Prime – A membership program offering fast shipping, video streaming, and exclusive deals.
- Kindle E-reader – Revolutionized the digital reading experience.
- Alexa and Echo Devices – Pioneered smart voice assistants and home automation. [4]
Blue Origin and Other Ventures
In 2000, Bezos founded Blue Origin to enable affordable space travel. The company develops reusable rocket technology and aims to colonize space. Its motto is "Gradatim Ferociter" ("Step by Step, Ferociously").
In 2013, Bezos bought The Washington Post for $250 million, revitalizing its digital strategy and profitability.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Bezos is known for his principles of:
- Customer obsession
- Long-term thinking
- High standards and innovation
- Embracing a "Day 1 culture" to stay agile and entrepreneurial[5]
Step Down as CEO
In 2021, Bezos stepped down as CEO of Amazon and became its Executive Chairman, passing the CEO role to Andy Jassy. He continues to focus on Blue Origin, philanthropy, and strategic vision for Amazon.
Awards and Recognition
- Repeatedly ranked as the world’s richest person by Forbes
- TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year (1999)
- One of the most influential figures in business and technology
Criticism and Controversies
While widely celebrated, Bezos and Amazon have faced criticism for:
- Working conditions in fulfillment centers
- Aggressive market dominance
- Privacy concerns with Alexa
- Corporate tax practices
Philanthropy
Bezos launched the Bezos Earth Fund with a $10 billion commitment to address climate change. He has also supported education, veterans, and homelessness initiatives through the Bezos Day One Fund.
Personal Life
Bezos was married to MacKenzie Scott from 1993 to 2019. They have four children. He is currently in a relationship with Lauren Sánchez.
Legacy
Jeff Bezos’ impact spans industries—from e-commerce to space travel. As the founder of Amazon, he redefined retail and logistics, while AWS reshaped enterprise computing. Through Blue Origin, Bezos continues his mission to push humanity toward a future in space.