Alibaba Group was established in 1999 by 18 people led by Jack Ma, a former English teacher from Hangzhou, China. From the outset, the company’s founders shared a belief that the Internet would level the playing field by enabling small enterprises to leverage innovation and technology to grow and compete more effectively in the domestic and global economies. Since launching its first website helping small Chinese exporters, manufacturers and entrepreneurs to sell internationally, Alibaba Group has grown into a global leader in online and mobile commerce. Today the company and its related companies operate leading wholesale and retail online marketplaces as well as businesses in cloud computing, digital media and entertainment, innovation initiatives and others.

January
Alibaba Group launches “A100,” a strategic partnership program that offers companies a holistic one-stop solution to accelerate their digital transformation.

February
Alibaba Cloud announces the Tech for Change initiative, which aims to tackle global social and humanitarian challenges through technologies.

Announcement of the Tech for Change initiative

March
The Alibaba Economy Technology Philanthropic Committee is established with a focus on technology-driven philanthropy.

Establishment of the Alibaba Economy Technology Philanthropic Committee