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Jeff Bezos

Jeff Bezos is an American entrepreneur, investor, and media owner best known as the founder of Amazon.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jeff Bezos is an American entrepreneur, investor, and media proprietor best known as the founder of Amazon. He also founded Blue Origin and has owned The Washington Post since 2013. Bezos has been widely reported as one of the richest people in the world.

Early life and education

Jeffrey Preston Bezos was born on January 12, 1964, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and raised in Houston and Miami. He graduated from Princeton University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.

Amazon

After working in finance, Bezos founded Amazon in the mid-1990s. The company began as an online bookseller and expanded into one of the world's largest e-commerce retailers. Bezos served as Amazon's chief executive officer before becoming its executive chair.

Other business ventures

Bezos founded Blue Origin, a spaceflight company, and later created or led ventures including Bezos Expeditions and the Bezos Earth Fund. He also became the owner of The Washington Post in 2013.

Public profile and wealth

Bezos has been widely reported as one of the richest people in the world. Estimates of his net worth have varied over time and by source.

Key facts

  • Jeff Bezos founded Amazon in the mid-1990s, starting as an online bookseller.
  • He also founded Blue Origin and owns The Washington Post since 2013.
  • Bezos graduated from Princeton University with a degree in engineering.
  • He is listed as Amazon's executive chairman after stepping down as CEO.
  • Bezos has been reported as one of the richest people in the world.
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Canadian context

Jeff Bezos and Amazon have had major influence on Canadian retail, technology, logistics, and media consumption, and Amazon operates extensively in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jeff Bezos?
Jeff Bezos is an American entrepreneur best known for founding Amazon and later starting Blue Origin.
When was Jeff Bezos born?
He was born on January 12, 1964, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
What did Jeff Bezos study?
He graduated from Princeton University with a degree in engineering.
What companies is Bezos associated with?
He is associated with Amazon, Blue Origin, Bezos Expeditions, the Bezos Earth Fund, and The Washington Post.
When did Bezos buy The Washington Post?
He acquired The Washington Post in 2013.
Is Jeff Bezos still involved with Amazon?
Yes. He is listed as Amazon's executive chairman after stepping down as chief executive officer.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Bezos
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, education, occupations, Amazon founding, executive chairman role, and associated ventures.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/money/Jeff-Bezos
    Supports: Birth details, role in Amazon, Blue Origin, and 2026 wealth estimate.
  3. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2013/04/05/us/jeff-bezos-fast-facts
    Supports: Date of birth, birthplace, original name, and education.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/business-23587389
    Supports: Purchase of The Washington Post and Bezos’s prominence through Amazon.
  5. Business Insider — https://www.businessinsider.com/jeff-bezos-life-career-education
    Supports: Career background, Amazon founding, Blue Origin, and richest-person status in 2017.
  6. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Jeff-Bezos
    Supports: Education, career before Amazon, Amazon founding, Kindle, and acquisition of The Washington Post.
  7. EBSCO — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/jeff-bezos
    Supports: Princeton education, finance career, and Amazon's launch as an online bookseller.