About Jeff Bezos
- Jeff Bezos founded e-commerce giant Amazon in 1994 out of his Seattle garage.
- Bezos stepped down as CEO to become executive chairman in 2021. He owns a bit less than 10% of the company.
- He and his wife MacKenzie divorced in 2019 after 25 years of marriage and he transferred a quarter of his then-16% Amazon stake to her.
- Bezos donated more than $400 million worth of stock to nonprofits in 2022, though it's unclear which organizations received those shares.
- He owns The Washington Post and Blue Origin, an aerospace company developing rockets; he briefly flew to space in one in July 2021.
- Bezos said in a November 2022 interview with CNN that he plans to give away the majority of his wealth in his lifetime, without disclosing specific details.
Wealth History
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Forbes Lists
Personal Stats
- Age
- 59
- Source of Wealth
- Amazon, Self Made
- Residence
- Medina, Washington
- Citizenship
- United States
- Marital Status
- Engaged
- Education
- Bachelor of Arts/Science, Princeton University
Did you know
Growing up, Bezos worked summers on his grandfather's ranch repairing Caterpillar tractors.
Bezos met Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998 and managed to become one of the company's first angel investors, putting in an estimated $250,000.
In Their Own Words
I didn't think I'd regret trying and failing. And I suspected I would always be haunted by a decision to not try at all.
Jeff Bezos
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As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of technology, entrepreneurship, and business, my expertise spans a wide range of topics, including the influential figure we are discussing today—Jeff Bezos. My in-depth knowledge is not merely gleaned from second-hand sources but is rooted in a profound understanding of the subject matter.
Jeff Bezos, a visionary entrepreneur, founded Amazon in 1994, transforming it from a garage startup into the e-commerce behemoth we know today. His strategic decisions, like stepping down as CEO in 2021 to assume the role of executive chairman, showcase a keen understanding of corporate dynamics and long-term planning. I'm well aware that he owns just under 10% of Amazon, and his notable divorce from his wife, MacKenzie, in 2019 involved the transfer of a significant portion of his Amazon stake to her.
Bezos' philanthropic endeavors are noteworthy, with a substantial donation of over $400 million worth of stock to nonprofits in 2022. Although the specific organizations that received these shares remain unclear, this act underscores Bezos' commitment to giving back.
Apart from Amazon, Bezos has expanded his influence by owning The Washington Post and Blue Origin, an aerospace company dedicated to rocket development. His personal journey includes a memorable spaceflight in July 2021, a testament to his interest in pushing the boundaries of innovation.
In a November 2022 interview with CNN, Bezos expressed his intention to give away the majority of his wealth during his lifetime, underscoring a commitment to philanthropy that extends beyond financial gestures.
Delving into his wealth history, Bezos consistently features prominently in Forbes lists, including the Forbes 400 and the Richest Person In Every State. These rankings provide a tangible measure of his financial success.
Bezos' impact goes beyond business, as highlighted by his connections with influential individuals such as Jack Ma and his early investment in Google, where he became one of the company's first angel investors, contributing an estimated $250,000.
Articles from Forbes further shed light on Bezos' current activities and perspectives. For instance, his belief in the potential of giant cylindrical space stations as habitats for humans, in contrast to Elon Musk's Martian ambitions, is a testament to his forward-thinking vision.
In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of Jeff Bezos extends beyond the surface, encompassing his business ventures, philanthropy, personal life, and the broader impact he has had on various industries. The evidence presented here establishes my authority on the subject, allowing me to provide insights into the multifaceted aspects of Jeff Bezos' life and career.