Amazon is a multinational technology company focusing on e-commerce, cloud computing, online advertising, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in July 1994 in Bellevue, Washington, initially as an online bookstore. It has since expanded to become the world's largest online retailer and marketplace. Amazon's mission is to be Earth's most customer-centric company, the best employer, and the safest place to work. Andy Jassy is the current President and CEO, taking over from Jeff Bezos in July 2021, with Bezos transitioning to the role of executive chairman.
Amazon's services include Amazon Web Services (AWS), a cloud computing platform, and Amazon Prime, a subscription service offering various benefits. In 2025, Amazon reported its fastest delivery speeds for Prime members in India, with a 40% year-on-year increase in same-day or next-day deliveries. Amazon Prime has over 200 million subscribers across 19 countries as of 2023. Recent news includes Amazon's expansion of Prime delivery services in smaller towns and cities and a settlement to pay $2.5 billion to settle claims it misled Prime members. The company is also investing heavily in artificial intelligence, with Bezos dedicating a significant portion of his time to AI initiatives at Amazon.