From Garage Startup To Tech Titan: This Man Once Lost Rs 1.27 Lakh Crore In A Day, Now Outranks Mukesh Ambani And Gautam Adani

Jeff Bezos, born on January 12, 1964, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, came from modest beginnings. He was raised by a hardworking family, his adoptive father, Miguel Bezos, an Exxon executive played a key role in shaping his values of perseverance and ambition. Jeff’s journey from a humble childhood to one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet is a testament to relentless dedication.

On a challenging Friday, billionaires worldwide faced significant losses, collectively dropping USD 134 billion in wealth. Bezos was among the hardest hit, losing USD 15.2 billion (Rs 1,27,320 crore) in a single day due to an 8.8 per cent drop in Amazon’s stock, marking one of the worst days for the company in years. Despite this, Bezos still holds a massive net worth of Rs 15,84,128 crore.

Born to a teenage mother, Bezos faced early challenges. His parents divorced when he was just 17 months old, and his mother worked tirelessly to provide for them. Life took a positive turn when she remarried Miguel Bezos, an engineer, who brought stability and opportunity to their family.

Bezos demonstrated a passion for technology from a young age, even building an automated alarm system as a child. He graduated from Princeton University with degrees in computer science and electrical engineering, then went on to work on Wall Street, gaining valuable insights into finance and business.

In 1994, Bezos recognized the vast potential of e-commerce and founded Amazon in his Seattle garage. What started as an online bookstore quickly transformed into a global marketplace for nearly everything. Despite initial doubts, Bezos’ long-term vision fueled Amazon’s incredible growth.

Under Bezos’ leadership, Amazon diversified into various sectors, including technology and logistics. Innovations like the Kindle, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Prime subscription services helped Amazon become a dominant force in the market. Bezos prioritized long-term growth over short-term profits, setting Amazon apart.

Bezos and Amazon faced numerous challenges, such as the dot-com bubble and criticism over profit margins. However, his resilience and customer-first philosophy allowed Amazon to thrive while competitors faltered.

In 2021, Bezos stepped down as CEO of Amazon, leaving behind a legacy of innovation. Outside of his business empire, he has contributed significantly to philanthropic causes, including the Bezos Earth Fund to combat climate change. His remarkable journey is one of vision, perseverance, and disruption in the retail and tech industries.