Amazon is a multinational technology company primarily engaged in e-commerce, cloud computing, online advertising, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. Founded by Jeff Bezos on July 5, 1994, in Bellevue, Washington, it initially began as an online marketplace for books but quickly diversified into what is now known as "The Everything Store". Amazon is recognized as the world's largest online retailer and marketplace. The company has a global presence, with websites, software development centers, customer service centers, data centers, and fulfillment centers around the world.
Amazon's current leadership includes Andy Jassy, who serves as the President and CEO since July 2021, succeeding Jeff Bezos, who is now the Executive Chair. The company's diverse offerings include Amazon Web Services (AWS), a leading cloud computing platform, digital streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and Twitch, and consumer electronics such as the Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, and Alexa-enabled smart speakers. Amazon is also investing heavily in artificial intelligence, with plans to launch a new content marketplace for AI companies. Recently, Amazon announced it would be cutting approximately 16,000 roles across the company as part of an effort to reduce layers, increase ownership, and remove bureaucracy.
As of February 2026, Amazon's market capitalization is $2.265 trillion, making it the world's 5th most valuable company by market cap. Amazon accounts for a significant portion of e-commerce sales, holding the largest market share at 37.6%. The company continues to innovate and expand its services, with recent news including updates to Alexa, new Prime Video content, and advancements in AI technology.