Billionaire Profile
Jeff Bezos
Global Rank
#4

Image: Jeff_Bezos'_iconic_laugh.jpg: Steve Jurvetson derivative work: King of Hearts | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Jeff Bezos

CEO, Amazon
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$244.391B
Estimated based on Amazon stock value as of February 5, 2026
-2% (24h)
Age
62
Source
Amazon
Industry
technology
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Jeffrey Preston Bezos, born January 12, 1964, is an American businessman best known as the founder of Amazon, the world's largest e-commerce company. Bezos served as Amazon's CEO for many years before transitioning to the role of Executive Chairman in 2021. His career began on Wall Street before he identified the potential of the internet to transform retail. His wealth source has primarily been Amazon, which he founded in 1994. Bezos's achievements include revolutionizing online retail, cloud computing with Amazon Web Services, and expanding into various sectors, including entertainment and space exploration through Blue Origin. As of early 2026, his net worth is estimated at $239.4 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals globally. He is committed to philanthropy through the Bezos Earth Fund, which aims to combat climate change.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 2/5/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Jeff Bezos was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on January 12, 1964. He spent his childhood in Albuquerque, Houston, and Miami. Showing an early interest in technology, he developed the Dream Institute while in high school, a center for creative thinking. He excelled academically, graduating summa cum laude from Princeton University in 1986 with degrees in electrical engineering and computer science.

Rise to Success

After graduating, Bezos worked on Wall Street, gaining experience in the financial sector. In 1994, he founded Amazon in Seattle. Starting as an online bookstore, Amazon quickly expanded into a wide array of products, becoming a leader in e-commerce. Bezos's leadership and strategic vision were crucial to Amazon's growth and success. He stepped down as CEO in 2021, becoming Executive Chairman.

Key Business Strategies

Bezos is known for his customer-centric approach and long-term focus. Key strategies included relentless innovation, data-driven decision-making, and a willingness to invest in new technologies and markets, such as cloud computing with Amazon Web Services. He also acquired Whole Foods Market, expanding Amazon's presence in the grocery sector.

Philanthropy

Bezos has engaged in philanthropy through the Bezos Earth Fund and the Day One Fund. The Bezos Earth Fund focuses on climate change initiatives, and the Day One Fund supports education and homelessness initiatives.

Career Milestones

1990

Joined D.E. Shaw & Co.

Worked at a Wall Street hedge fund.

1994

Founded Amazon

Launched Amazon as an online bookstore.

2000

Founded Blue Origin

Founded an aerospace company for space exploration.

2013

Purchased The Washington Post

Acquired the major American newspaper.

2021

Stepped down as Amazon CEO

Transitioned to Executive Chairman of Amazon.

2021

Flew to space

Took a trip on Blue Origin's New Shepard vehicle.

2023

Married Lauren Sánchez

Married media personality Lauren Sánchez.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Environmental

Bezos Earth Fund

$10B

Focused on combating climate change and protecting nature.

Social

Day One Fund

Hundreds of millions

Focused on reducing homelessness and promoting education.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"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."

"If you're not flexible, you'll be broken."

"Work hard, have fun, and make history."

Leadership Principles

Customer Obsession

Leaders start with the customer and work backwards. They work vigorously to earn and keep customer trust. Although leaders pay attention to competitors, they obsess over customers.

Ownership

Leaders are owners. They think long term and don’t sacrifice long-term value for short-term results. They act on behalf of the entire company, beyond just their own team. They never say “that’s not my job.”

Bias for Action

Speed matters in business. Many decisions and actions are reversible and do not need extensive study. We value calculated risk taking.

Controversies & Challenges

2018

Criticism of Amazon's Workplace Conditions

Amazon faced criticism for its demanding work environment and employee treatment.

2019

Political Involvement

Amazon spent against Seattle city councilwoman Kshama Sawant's re-election.

2020

Criticism over Philanthropy

Bezos received public criticism for comparatively low charitable giving compared to other billionaires.

Latest News & Analysis

Bezos vs. Jassy: The Cloud Titans Clash in Space - Is Amazon's Final Frontier Just a Mirage?
Analysis2/4/2026

Bezos vs. Jassy: The Cloud Titans Clash in Space - Is Amazon's Final Frontier Just a Mirage?

Andy Jassy, the pragmatic CEO of Amazon Web Services, just delivered a stinging rebuke to Jeff Bezos's cosmic ambitions, declaring space-based data centers 'not economical.' This isn't just a corporate disagreement; it's a battle for Amazon's soul, a clash of visions, and a potential harbinger of the next tech shakeup. Expect the next few years to be defined by this internal tug-of-war, with profound implications for the future of cloud computing, space exploration, and, of course, the ever-expanding empire of Bezos.

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Bezos's Space Dream vs. AWS Reality: The Billion-Dollar Contradiction at the Heart of Amazon's Future
Analysis2/4/2026

Bezos's Space Dream vs. AWS Reality: The Billion-Dollar Contradiction at the Heart of Amazon's Future

Amazon Web Services' CEO just slammed the brakes on Jeff Bezos's long-held vision of space-based data centers, a move that exposes a deep strategic rift. This isn't just a difference of opinion; it's a cold, calculated assessment of economic viability, highlighting the brutal realities of the cloud wars. Prepare for a tectonic shift in the industry as the ambitions of a visionary collide with the pragmatism of a bottom-line driven behemoth.

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The Billionaire's Dance: Marc Beckman Lifts the Veil on Bezos, Melania, and the Price of Power
Analysis1/30/2026

The Billionaire's Dance: Marc Beckman Lifts the Veil on Bezos, Melania, and the Price of Power

Marc Beckman, the enigmatic producer, has finally spoken, revealing the intricate dance of influence and ambition that unfolded between Jeff Bezos and Melania Trump. This isn't just gossip; it's a window into the high-stakes world of image management, where fortunes are forged and reputations are destroyed in the blink of an eye. Prepare to understand the hidden currents that shape our world.

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The Bezos-Trump Enigma: Marc Beckman's Revelation and the Unfolding Drama of Power, Politics, and Propriety
Analysis1/30/2026

The Bezos-Trump Enigma: Marc Beckman's Revelation and the Unfolding Drama of Power, Politics, and Propriety

Marc Beckman, the architect of Melania Trump's branding, has pulled back the curtain on a meeting between the former First Lady and Jeff Bezos, offering a glimpse into a world of complex negotiations and veiled motivations. This exclusive analysis delves into the implications of this encounter, dissecting the power dynamics at play and the potential ramifications for both individuals and the industries they command. Prepare for an exploration of influence, image, and the ruthless calculus of the modern age.

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Bezos’s $80,000 Gamble: The Icky Truth Behind Amazon's Ascent and the Price of Unlimited Ambition
Analysis1/26/2026

Bezos’s $80,000 Gamble: The Icky Truth Behind Amazon's Ascent and the Price of Unlimited Ambition

Jeff Bezos, the architect of Amazon, once famously capped his salary at $80,000, turning down lucrative offers, claiming more 'incentive' was unnecessary. This isn't a story of frugality; it's a strategic masterstroke, a calculated play in the high-stakes game of corporate dominance. Analyzing this decision exposes a deeper understanding of Bezos's vision, his manipulation of incentives, and the relentless pursuit of market supremacy that redefined the business landscape.

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Bezos's €5 Billion Gambit: Is This the Beginning of AI's Amazonian Domination or a Monumental Flop?
Analysis11/18/2025

Bezos's €5 Billion Gambit: Is This the Beginning of AI's Amazonian Domination or a Monumental Flop?

Jeff Bezos, the architect of the modern retail landscape, is reportedly plunging €5 billion into an AI startup. This move, whispered about in the hallowed halls of Silicon Valley and the opulent boardrooms of Europe, signals a seismic shift. This is not just another investment; it's a declaration of war, and the first shot has been fired.

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