VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie)

The Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC), or Dutch East India Company, was a powerful trading organization founded in 1602. It was one of the first multinational corporations, granted governmental powers like making treaties and waging war. The VOC focused on trade in Asia, especially spices, textiles, and other valuable goods, establishing a vast network of colonies and trading posts. It played a key role in Dutch global influence and was a precursor to modern corporations. The company operated profitably for over a century before declining in the late 1700s, ultimately dissolving in 1799.