Early Life
Jeffrey Preston Jorgensen, later known as Jeff Bezos, was born on January 12, 1964, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His early life was marked by an inquisitive nature, turning his parents' garage into a laboratory. He showed an early aptitude for science and technology, graduating as valedictorian from Miami Palmetto Senior High School. Bezos pursued higher education at Princeton University, earning a degree in electrical engineering and computer science in 1986.
Rise to Success
After graduating from Princeton, Bezos worked on Wall Street before recognizing the potential of the internet. He founded Amazon in 1994, initially as an online bookstore. Bezos and his wife MacKenzie Scott left their jobs at D.E. Shaw & Co and moved to Seattle to launch Amazon. By 1997, Amazon went public, and Bezos became a millionaire. Bezos's strategic vision quickly expanded beyond books, making Amazon an "everything store."
Key Business Strategies
Bezos implemented key strategies to drive Amazon's success, including a strong customer-centric approach and long-term thinking. Amazon's success has been driven by innovation, expansion into cloud computing (Amazon Web Services), and strategic acquisitions like Whole Foods Market. Also, he fostered a culture of innovation and experimentation, emphasizing customer obsession, a willingness to embrace failure, and a bias for action.
Philanthropy
Bezos and his partner Lauren Sánchez are involved in the Day One Family Fund, which has committed significant grants to nonprofits. In 2025, the foundation announced $102.5 million in new grants to 32 nonprofits across the country as part of a $2 billion commitment. Bezos also founded the Bezos Earth Fund, which addresses climate change.
