Jack Ma’s journey from humble beginnings to founding Alibaba is a story of resilience, vision, and unwavering belief in the power of the internet.

Born in 1964 in Hangzhou, China, Ma grew up in a modest household. As a child, he was curious and eager to learn English. To practice, he would ride his bike for miles to a hotel where he offered free tours to foreign tourists in exchange for conversations. This early exposure to different cultures broadened his perspective and sparked his ambition.

Academically, Ma struggled. He failed his college entrance exam twice before finally passing on the third try, gaining admission to Hangzhou Teacher’s Institute. After graduation, he applied for dozens of jobs — including at KFC — but faced rejection every time. Eventually, he became an English teacher, earning a modest salary but gaining respect for his teaching skills and passion.

Ma’s life changed when he first used the internet during a trip to the U.S. in 1995. Intrigued, he searched for “beer” and “China” but found no results. Realizing the internet’s untapped potential, he returned to China with a mission: to help Chinese businesses connect with the world through the web.

In 1999, with little technical knowledge but a bold vision, Ma gathered 17 friends in his apartment and founded Alibaba. The idea was simple — create an online marketplace where small Chinese businesses could sell their products globally. The early days were tough. Investors doubted the concept, and internet access in China was limited. However, Ma’s belief in the internet’s power kept him going.

Alibaba’s turning point came when it secured funding from foreign investors, allowing the platform to grow rapidly. Ma’s leadership focused on empowering small businesses, giving them a global platform to thrive. Over time, Alibaba became the backbone of China’s e-commerce industry, reshaping global trade.

Today, Jack Ma is celebrated not just as a billionaire entrepreneur but as a symbol of persistence. His story teaches us that failure is not the end — it’s just a step on the road to success. Ma turned rejection into motivation and built one of the largest companies in the world, proving that vision and determination can change everything.