The Pierre Omidyar Story
Biography of the man behind Ebay

The Pierre Omidyar biography makes for a very interesting tale of how it really is possible to rise through the ranks and become an entrepreneur - if only you have the correct mentality, drive, determination and ideas. The founder of what is now the world's leading online marketplace: eBay, the chairman of the company is a character renowned for his innovative business ideas.

These days, the website eBay is a vibrant hive of activity for buyers to purchase items that they need or want, and for sellers to get rid of their unwanted items, or in some scenarios: make a living in a fairly easy way by building up a store or selection of similar items.

Born in Paris, France, to parents of Armenian origin, Pierre has a degree in computer engineering from Tufts University, where he attended following his graduation from St. Andrew's Episcopal school in Potomac, Maryland. One of his first employers was a company connected with Apple Computers: Claris. It was here that he helped in the design process of the famous MacDraw, before moving on to co-found Ink Development in 1991. Initially a computing start-up operated by pens, this company went on to re-establish itself as eStore - an e-commerce business.

But now for the pivotal scene in the Pierre Omidyar story: the creation of eBay - a widely used auction site. The idea for the business came during a lazy weekend holiday, but no one would have guessed how it would ultimately take the world by storm, arguably setting of the 'craze' of online shopping. Launched on the 4th September, 1995, the site was first called Auction Web and was free to use, although costs were eventually put in place to cover expenses for internet service suppliers.

Several other people came on-board - including Jeffrey Skoll and Meg Whitman - to help the business expand, and Omidyar is now worth an estimated $5.5 billion, which - according to Forbes data - makes him the world's 156th richest person.

Aside from eBay, another key element that Pierre Omidyar deserves recognition for is his work as a philanthropist. In 2004, with the aid of his wife, Pam Omidyar, Pierre set up the Omidyar Network. This innovative cause aims to provide organisations with the necessary funding to support the creation of life changing opportunities for those in the most need. It encourages economic and social changes to take place, and supports businesses that have the main aim of doing just this. Already, the charity has awarded in excess of $270 million to organisations with the intention of it being put to good use.

It really seems as if the Pierre Omidyar biography will continue to expand, as more and more individuals clamber on to the online-bandwagon that is eBay. An inspirational figure within the entrepreneurship world, Omidyar has proved that unique ideas really do have a space in the modern market - if there is enough of a drive to persevere through challenging time, and a desire to spread the word to prospective customers.

Pierre Omidyar Links

• The Pierre Omidyar biography at Achievement.org.
• Pierre at the Omidyar network.