That’s how he met Christopher Columbus

In 1496, while working for the Medici family in ship-outfitting, Vespucci encountered Columbus.

At this point, Columbus had returned from his trip to the Americas. A talk between the two men, according to historic letters, spurred Vespucci's interest in exploration, which is an interesting detail about Amerigo Vespucci. Amerigo's business was failing at the time, and he knew that the Spanish king was prepared to pay explorers thanks to his contacts. According to letters and historical sources, a mid-40s Vespucci was enthralled by the prospect of seeing the world for himself—and possibly becoming renowned. He shut down his company and set out to raise money to travel the world.