The East India Company, established over 400 years ago, emerged as the most powerful multinational corporation, rising from a modest trading entity focused on voyages to India to effectively taking over as the de facto government of the Indian subcontinent. Its headquarters on Leadenhall Street enabled it to surpass the strength of even the most powerful nation-states, commanding private armies that supplanted established native dynasties, allowing it to seize control of vast territories. The company's dominance was rooted in its control over valuable trade routes, generating immense wealth for its stakeholders. Founded at the turn of the 17th century, the East India Company was not the first but one of the most significant joint stock companies that spurred overseas trade, driven by the rising ambitions of England, France, and the Dutch Republic. Facing financial constraints, these nations encouraged merchants to create joint stock companies, enabling citizens to invest in colonial expeditions and share profits from successful ventures. The initial venture into overseas trade was the Muscovy Company in 1555, which laid the groundwork for future enterprises. With an eye on the riches of the Far East—specifically India, China, and the East Indies—London merchants envisioned more profitable trading opportunities, ultimately leading to the formation of the East India Company in 1600. The potential wealth from commodities like pepper, cinnamon, and silk fueled this pursuit, establishing a fierce competition among European powers for colonial expansion.