Transcript
Welcome to the story of Amazon, a company that has revolutionized the way we shop, consume media, and even compute. It all began in 1994, in a garage in Bellevue, Washington.
Jeff Bezos, a young entrepreneur with a vision, founded Amazon under the name 'Cadabra'.
But the name was quickly changed to Amazon, inspired by the vastness of the Amazon River, reflecting Bezos' ambition for a vast online marketplace.
In 1995, Amazon launched as an online bookstore, selling books to all 50 US states and 45 countries within its first month.
Amazon's early growth was impressive, with revenues soaring from $4.2 million to $8.5 million between the third and fourth quarters of 1996.
In 1997, Amazon went public with an initial public offering (IPO), marking a significant milestone in its journey.
Amazon's ambition didn't stop at books. The company began expanding its product offerings, venturing into new territories.
In 1998, Amazon added music, video games, and movies to its catalog, becoming a one-stop shop for entertainment.
The year 2000 saw the launch of Amazon's third-party services, allowing external sellers to market their products on the platform.
In 2002, Amazon Web Services (AWS) was launched, marking the company's entry into the cloud computing market.
Amazon's foray into search technology led to the creation of A9.com in 2004, which later became a precursor to Google's Street View.
The 2000s saw the rise of Amazon Prime, a subscription service that would transform the company's landscape.
Launched in 2005, Amazon Prime offered unlimited two-day delivery for a yearly fee, revolutionizing online shopping.
Prime's success led to the expansion of its benefits, including Prime Video, a streaming service that challenged traditional media giants.
"I wanted Amazon to be an everything store." - Jeff Bezos, 2017
In 2017, Amazon acquired Whole Foods, marking its entry into the grocery market and further solidifying its position as a dominant force in retail.
From a small online bookstore to a global giant, Amazon's journey is a testament to its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.