Early Days of Amazon (1994-1997)
Amazon was founded in July 1994 by Jeff Bezos in his garage in Bellevue, Washington.
- Initially, the company focused on selling books online.
- In 1995, Amazon raised its first round of funding and expanded its product line to include CDs, videos, and software.
By the end of 1997, Amazon had already become one of the largest online retailers in the world.
Expansion and Growth (1998-2000)
Amazon went public in May 1997, raising $54 million in its initial public offering (IPO).
- The company expanded its product line to include toys, electronics, and other consumer goods.
- Amazon also began to develop its logistics and fulfillment capabilities, including its now-famous warehouse and distribution network.
By the end of 2000, Amazon had become a global e-commerce leader, with sales exceeding $1.5 billion.