Publications
Publications
- October 1998 (Revised August 1999)
- HBS Case Collection
Amazon.com--Going Public
By: William A. Sahlman and Laurence E. Katz
Abstract
Amazon.com, an early pioneer in electronic commerce, prepares its initial public offering in the face of turbulent market conditions. Joy Covey, Amazon.com's CFO and the case protagonist, discusses the risks and opportunities of going public and the nature of electronic commerce business models in comparison to traditional land-based retail models. This case presents an opportunity to discuss the public offering process and the inter-relationship between a young company's financing strategy and business strategy.
Keywords
Going Public; Risk and Uncertainty; Business Model; Financial Strategy; Business Strategy; Initial Public Offering; Electronics Industry; Retail Industry
Citation
Sahlman, William A., and Laurence E. Katz. "Amazon.com--Going Public." Harvard Business School Case 899-003, October 1998. (Revised August 1999.)
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