Alibaba Group is established by its 18 founders, led by Jack Ma, working out of Jack Ma’s apartment in Hangzhou. Its first website is English-language Alibaba.com, a global wholesale marketplace.
The early Alibaba team working out of Jack Ma’s apartment
October • Alibaba Group launches a China marketplace (currently known as 1688.com) for domestic wholesale trade.
Official launch ceremony of Alibaba.com
October Alibaba Group raises US$5 million from a consortium of investors.
