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Alibaba: From Hangzhou Garage to Global Giant
20 Nov
Summary
- Alibaba's 2014 IPO was the largest tech offering ever.
- Founded in Hangzhou, it's now a global empire.
- Generated nearly 1 trillion yuan ($137 billion) in 2025.

Emerging from Hangzhou, China, Alibaba has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar global technology empire. The company's journey began in 1999, and it has since expanded its reach far beyond its initial business-to-business marketplace. Today, Alibaba's vast operations span e-commerce, sophisticated logistics networks, advanced cloud computing services, and diverse entertainment ventures.
Alibaba's significance in the tech world was underscored by its 2014 initial public offering, which stands as the largest in tech history, successfully raising $25 billion on its debut. This monumental event marked a key milestone in the company's rapid ascent. Recent financial reports highlight its immense scale, with nearly 1 trillion yuan (approximately $137 billion) generated in the 2025 fiscal year.
The company's revenue generation is multifaceted, driven by the success of its flagship e-commerce platforms, Taobao and Tmall. International expansion efforts, coupled with merchant fees and its robust cloud services division, further contribute to its financial dominance. Alibaba's strategic growth continues to solidify its position as a key player in the global digital economy.




