1997 Letter to Shareholders

2020 Letter to Shareholders

This is The Founders’ List – audio versions of essays from technology’s most important leaders, selected by the Founder community.

1997 Letter

Amazon’s approach to building sustainable long-term value should be a lesson to all companies – not just Internet companies. When Jeff Bezos took Amazon public 24 years ago, he sent a letter to all Shareholders and is still considered a playbook for building a great company.

“1997 was indeed an incredible year. We at Amazon.com are grateful to our customers for their business and trust, to each other for our hard work, and to our shareholders for their support and encouragement.”

2020 Letter

In his final letter to shareholders, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on Thursday laid out a broad vision for the future of the company, committing to extend Amazon’s famous obsession over its customers to the same level of care for its employees.

Bezos also took steps to ease shareholders’ fears about what a reimagined focus for the company might mean for Amazon’s future. He reiterated that it “remains Day 1” and highlighted continued growth at Amazon.

Visit the Founders’ List Here.

Nominate Your Favorite Essay

Each week, we’ll be releasing a new audio essay or memo selected by the Founder community. Nominations are rolling, and can be submitted by visiting – founderslist.nfx.com