Dutch East India Company
About Dutch East India Company
The VOC was the first multinational corporation and the first to issue public stock. It paid an average dividend of 18 percent for nearly 200 years. At its peak, the VOC was worth 7.9 trillion dollars in modern terms, making it the most valuable company in history. The VOC had quasi governmental powers, including the ability to wage war, mint coins, and establish colonies. It controlled the spice trade between Europe and Asia. The VOC went bankrupt in 1799 due to corruption, smuggling, and British competition. Its legacy includes modern corporate governance, stock markets, and globalization.
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