As powerful as a nation state, the Dutch East India Company sent almost a million Europeans to Asia on more than 4,700 ships and dominated global trade for almost two centuries, handling a whopping 2.5 million tons of goods. The grandfather of the modern-day corporation, the company was the first to undertake an IPO, trade transnationally, become a globally recognised brand, and more. We explore the pioneering firm's history and chart its incredible rise and fall.