Jeff Bezos, the billionaire founder of Amazon, is no longer steering the ship of the e-commerce giant on a day-to-day basis, but that hasn’t slowed him down. After stepping down as CEO in 2021, Bezos has been focused on a variety of pursuits that include space exploration, philanthropy, and an array of business ventures. Let’s dive into what Bezos has been up to these days and the projects that have captured his attention.
1. Blue Origin and Space Exploration
One of Jeff Bezos’ most high-profile ventures is Blue Origin, the space exploration company he founded in 2000. While SpaceX often grabs headlines, Blue Origin is making significant strides in the space industry. The company successfully completed several crewed suborbital flights with its New Shepard rocket, taking tourists—including Bezos himself—on brief journeys to the edge of space.
Recently, Blue Origin has focused on its ambitious plans to build a space station, called Orbital Reef, in partnership with Sierra Nevada Corporation. Orbital Reef aims to be a mixed-use space station that can accommodate both research and tourism. Furthermore, Blue Origin is also competing for NASA’s Artemis program contracts, which aim to return humans to the moon by 2025. Bezos has stated that he envisions millions of people living and working in space someday, and his investments are a testament to that long-term vision.
2. The Bezos Earth Fund and Philanthropy
Bezos has also made significant moves in philanthropy. In 2020, he committed $10 billion to combat climate change through the Bezos Earth Fund. The fund focuses on initiatives aimed at preserving and restoring nature, transitioning to clean energy, and promoting environmental justice. He has already allocated billions to various organizations working on these initiatives.
Moreover, Bezos has recently expanded his philanthropic reach. In November 2022, he announced his plans to give away the majority of his wealth during his lifetime. He emphasized the importance of addressing climate change and bridging social inequities, while also prioritizing scientific research and social issues.
3. Amazon: Staying Involved Behind the Scenes
Though no longer the CEO, Bezos remains actively involved in Amazon’s strategic direction as its Executive Chairman. His primary focus is on Amazon’s long-term innovation and key initiatives such as logistics expansion and new product offerings. Under the leadership of Andy Jassy, Bezos’ successor, Amazon continues to expand its presence in areas like healthcare, cloud computing (AWS), and physical retail.
Bezos’ involvement is not hands-off. Reports indicate that he still plays a role in big-picture decisions and maintains a significant influence over company strategy and direction.
4. The Washington Post and Media Influence
Since acquiring The Washington Post in 2013, Bezos has helped revitalize the newspaper. His investments in technology, data analytics, and digital subscription services transformed the Post into one of the leading publications in the country. Bezos remains committed to ensuring that the newspaper remains a journalistic powerhouse in the age of digital media.
There has been some speculation regarding Bezos’ future plans for the newspaper, but as of now, he continues to be a passive owner while focusing on the long-term sustainability of its business model.
5. The Day 1 Fund and Other Social Initiatives
In addition to environmental initiatives, Bezos has launched several programs to address pressing social issues. His Day 1 Fund, announced in 2018, focuses on two main areas: helping homeless families and building a network of nonprofit preschools in low-income communities. The fund has already committed substantial amounts towards these goals, and Bezos continues to expand its reach.
6. Yacht Adventures and Personal Life
On the personal front, Bezos has made headlines for his luxurious lifestyle and growing social presence. His superyacht, Koru, recently made news for being one of the largest and most extravagant yachts ever built. Beyond luxury, Bezos has been open about the time he spends with his partner, Lauren Sánchez, often sharing glimpses of their vacations and adventures.
Moreover, Bezos is known for his commitment to physical fitness, transforming his physique significantly since his early Amazon days. He’s frequently seen at high-profile events and functions, showing a much more public-facing and social side of himself than in the past.
7. Venture Capital and Investment Interests
Beyond Amazon, Bezos is actively involved in investing through Bezos Expeditions, his venture capital firm. He has invested in an array of sectors, including healthcare, robotics, biotechnology, and fintech. Recently, he made headlines for investing in Altos Labs, a biotech firm focused on anti-aging and extending human life. Bezos’ interest in longevity aligns with his penchant for long-term thinking and futuristic ventures.
Conclusion
Despite stepping down from his Amazon CEO role, Jeff Bezos remains a central figure in the worlds of business, space exploration, and philanthropy. From working to combat climate change through the Bezos Earth Fund to pushing the boundaries of space with Blue Origin, Bezos is undoubtedly keeping busy. His involvement in Amazon, media, and social initiatives continues to demonstrate his commitment to shaping the future, not just of business, but of society at large.
Jeff Bezos’ journey is far from over, and it’s clear that his ambitions are only growing as he explores new frontiers and reinvents himself as a global changemaker.
