Marcus Goldman (1821–1904) was a German-American entrepreneur and financier who founded the investment banking firm Goldman Sachs. Born in Trappstadt, Bavaria, Goldman immigrated to the United States in 1848 during a wave of Jewish migration spurred by political upheaval in Europe. Initially working as a peddler and shopkeeper, he eventually transitioned into finance, establishing a niche in trading commercial promissory notes.
In 1869, Goldman moved to New York City and founded Marcus Goldman & Co., which specialized in short-term credit for businesses. His innovative approach to finance helped his firm thrive, and in 1882, he invited his son-in-law Samuel Sachs to join the business, leading to the creation of Goldman Sachs. The firm quickly gained prominence, becoming a major player in the financial industry.
