General Electric (GE) is a multinational conglomerate founded by Thomas Edison in 1876 and headquartered in Connecticut. It operates in various industries including energy, technology, aviation, healthcare, and media. GE Capital provides financial services and some of GE's major subsidiaries are NBC Universal, GE Aviation, and GE Healthcare. The company has faced legal issues and controversies over pollution and taxes but has also invested in renewable energy and clean technology initiatives.