Enron Corporation was an American energy company based in Houston, Texas. Founded in 1985, it initially focused on natural gas and electricity trading. Enron grew rapidly and became one of the largest energy companies in the world, known for its innovative business practices and use of technology. However, in the early 2000s, Enron faced a major scandal involving accounting fraud. The company used complex financial structures to hide debt and inflate profits, leading to its bankruptcy in December 2001. This collapse resulted in significant financial losses for investors and employees, and it prompted reforms in corporate governance and accounting practices in the United States, including the creation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.