Amazon may not have a long history, but its impact on the world has been colossal.

From its humble beginnings as an online bookstore to becoming a dominant global digital retailer and cloud services provider, let’s take a brief journey through the remarkable history of Amazon.

Amazon was founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, a former hedge fund executive, who chose the name for its starting letter A and the association with the South American river. Initially focusing on selling books due to Bezos’ research indicating its viability, Amazon differentiated itself by promising to deliver to readers worldwide.

While it started as a bookstore, Bezos insisted that Amazon was a tech company simplifying online transactions. Despite skepticism and criticism from financial circles, Amazon turned its first profit in 2001. Bezos’ vision of the internet’s growth potential drove the company forward, supported by his dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.

A significant milestone arrived in 2002 with the launch of Amazon Web Services (AWS), initially providing internet traffic data but eventually revolutionizing cloud services and serving even Amazon’s competitors like Netflix.

Although Amazon’s initial goal was to avoid inventory, the need for warehouses arose in 1997. The company began allowing small businesses to sell through its platform in 2000, evolving into the Fulfillment by Amazon service by 2006. This shift led to the acquisition of Kiva Systems, a robotics firm, in 2012.

While Amazon remains predominantly an online retailer, its revenue diversification efforts include offering one-day free shipping for Prime members. AWS continues to transform industries, providing cloud solutions to major corporations, including automakers, signifying Amazon’s enduring role in shaping the future.