Alibaba

Alibaba Group Holding Limited is a Chinese multinational technology company known for its e-commerce platforms and cloud computing services. Founded in 1999 by Jack Ma and 17 partners in Hangzhou, the company developed into one of the world’s largest internet-based businesses, with a portfolio spanning online marketplaces, cloud services, media, and financial technology.

Its e-commerce segment operates several platforms: Alibaba.com, a business-to-business marketplace; Taobao, a consumer-to-consumer marketplace; and Tmall, a business-to-consumer platform. AliExpress, a cross-border shopping site, serves international buyers. The group also owns the logistics network Cainiao and payment services via Alipay, linked to the broader Ant Group ecosystem.

Alibaba Cloud, launched in 2009, provides cloud infrastructure, data analytics, and artificial intelligence capabilities, supporting a mix of enterprises and public sector clients. The company also has investments in digital media, entertainment, and local services through various subsidiaries and affiliates.

Alibaba operates in China and internationally, with notable regional activities including Lazada in Southeast Asia and a range of cross-border initiatives through AliExpress. The business has drawn investments and partnerships worldwide to expand e-commerce, cloud, and digital services.

Financial milestones include a 2014 initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange that raised about 25 billion dollars, one of the largest IPOs ever at the time, and a 2020 secondary listing in Hong Kong. In 2021 Chinese regulators fined Alibaba over anticompetitive practices. In 2023 the group announced a restructuring into six independently managed business groups to sharpen accountability and boost agility, while adjusting governance and leadership arrangements.

Alibaba’s activities touch on data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance as part of China’s broader tech regulation. The company remains a major player in global e-commerce, cloud computing, and digital services, with ongoing efforts to integrate its ecosystem across platforms and markets.