The Dutch East India Company Was Richer Than Apple, Google and Facebook Combined

The “Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie” (VOC), better known as the Dutch East-India company was set up in 1602, head-quartered in the “Oost-Indisch Huis” (East-India House) in downtown Amsterdam – which still stands today. The VOC’s stocks pushed the company’s worth to a massive 78 million Dutch guilders, which is a pretty solid business even today, but translates to a whopping $7,9 trillion dollar worth today… Yes, really, trillion. Of course, it wasn’t all fun and games with the Dutch East India Company – despite bringing the Netherlands prosperity and successfully connecting the world it also brought horrendous suffering for an endless number of people.

Source: dutchreview.com