Jeff Bezos Urged His Siblings To Invest $10,000 In Amazon — Their Stake Grew 12,566,658% And Potentially Worth $1.26 Billion Today

Jeff Bezos, a household name synonymous with Amazon, revolutionized e-commerce. But years ago, Amazon was just a dream Jeff Bezos shared with his brother and sister.

In the mid-1990s, investing in an online bookstore was a bold move. Bezos's siblings, Mark and Christina, took that leap. In 1996, they invested $10,000 each in Amazon, acquiring 30,000 shares. Today, those shares are potentially worth over $1.26 billion each.

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In 1996, a $10,000 investment in Amazon was considered a substantial risk. However, a 2018 Bloomberg report revealed that when Amazon's stock price reached $91, their shares were valued at $640 million each. 

At an Amazon share of $146, Bezos's siblings' stakes were valued at $1.025 billion each, as reported by Luxury Launches. Now, with the shares priced at $179, their stakes have grown to approximately $1.26 billion, marking an astonishing return of more than 12,566,658%. It's important to note that there is no public information on whether they have retained their shares.

Bezos founded Amazon in July 1994, envisioning the untapped potential of e-commerce. Despite the internet's limited use by government and educational institutions at the time, Bezos was committed to his vision. 

Convincing others to invest, however, proved challenging. Bezos held 60 meetings with family, friends, and potential investors, but 38 of them declined. Some of those who declined later admitted to regretting their decision, either accepting it as a life lesson or finding it difficult to discuss.

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Even Bezos’ parents were warned about the 70% risk of losing their investment. In the book "The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon," he reportedly stated, "I want you to know what the risks are because I still want to come home for Thanksgiving if this doesn't work."

Amazon did face challenges along the way, including the dot-com bubble. The company went public on May 15, 1997, with shares priced at $18. Despite the challenges, Amazon survived and thrived, expanding far beyond its initial focus to become a tech giant with a market cap of $1.5 trillion.

Despite their low public profiles, Mark and Christina Bezos have remained integral to Amazon's story. Mark pursued a successful career in advertising and philanthropy, while Christina has focused on family and charitable efforts.

The Bezos siblings' Amazon investment is undeniably a legendary success story. While not everyone has a brother like Jeff, their experience highlights the immense potential of investing in innovative startups.

High risk often leads to high rewards, but this isn't the right path for everyone. If you're considering venturing into startup investments, it's wise to consult a financial advisor. They can help you assess whether this type of investment aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Remember, while the allure of high returns is tempting, safer and more stable investment options are available to suit different preferences and financial situations.

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