Alibaba Network Technology Co., Ltd. (Alibaba Group for short) was founded in Hangzhou, China in 1999 by 18 people, led by Jack Ma, who was once an English teacher. They believed that the Internet could create a fair competitive environment, allowing small businesses to expand their businesses through innovation and technology, and to be in a more advantageous position when participating in domestic or global market competition. Alibaba Group operates multiple businesses, and also obtains support in operating a business ecosystem from the businesses and services of its affiliates. The businesses and businesses of its affiliates include: Taobao, Tmall, Juhuasuan, AliExpress, Alibaba International Trading Market, 1688, Alimama, Alibaba Cloud, Ant Financial, Cainiao Network, etc.

On September 19, 2014, Alibaba Group was officially listed on the New York Stock Exchange with the stock code "BABA". The founder and chairman of the board of directors is Jack Ma.