Bill Gates Net Worth

Net Worth Details

Bill Gates, the American billionaire entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist, has a net worth of $122 billion. He earned his first fortune as the co-founder and former chairman and CEO of Microsoft. Today, Gates owns less than 1.3% of Microsoft and has sold tens of billions of dollars worth of shares over the years. The proceeds from his sales have funded Cascade Investment LLC, which is used to invest in hundreds of other companies. Gates held the title of the richest person in the world uninterrupted for much of the period between 1997 and 2008. He has consistently been one of the five richest people on the planet in the last decade.

Biography

What is Bill Gates known for?

Bill Gates is known for co-founding Microsoft, one of the most influential and successful technology companies in the world. He played a pivotal role in shaping the personal computer industry and revolutionizing the way we use technology today.

Early life and education

William Henry Gates III was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington. As a child, Gates was bullied but found solace in his room, where he developed an interest in technology and programming. He attended the private Lakeside prep school, where he wrote his first software program.

In 1971, Gates and his friends formed the Lakeside Programmers Club, where they honed their programming skills by exploiting bugs in the school’s computer system. Gates’ passion for programming continued as he enrolled at Harvard University but ultimately dropped out to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions.

Career

Gates’ career took off when he co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen. The duo received their first breakthrough when they convinced MITS, the corporation behind the Altair 880 computer, to build and sell their interpreter. In 1975, MITS launched the Altair BASIC, marking the beginning of Microsoft’s success.

In the years that followed, Microsoft became a technological powerhouse, developing products like MS-DOS and the popular browser, Internet Explorer. The company went public in 1986, making Gates a billionaire by the age of 31. He played a crucial role in the company’s growth, reviewing every line of code personally.

In 200, Gates transitioned out of his day-to-day role at Microsoft to focus on philanthropy. Despite stepping down from the position of Chairman in 202, Gates remains deeply involved in shaping the future of technology through his various endeavors.

Personal Life

Outside of his professional career, Gates leads a fulfilling personal life. In 1987, he met Melinda French while working at Microsoft, and they were married in 1994. The couple has three children: Phoebe Adele, Rory John, and Jennifer Katharine.

Gates and his wife are known for their philanthropic efforts. In 200, they established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which focuses on addressing global health issues and reducing poverty. Gates has committed to donating at least half of his wealth to charity over time.

Achievements

Bill Gates’ achievements extend far beyond his success as a businessman. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to technology and philanthropy. Some highlights include:

• Presidential Medal of Freedom: In 2016, Gates was awarded the highest civilian honor in the United States for his philanthropic work and impact on global health.
• Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire: Gates received this honor from Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his contributions to business and philanthropy.
• Time Person of the Year: Gates has been named Time’s Person of the Year multiple times for his influential role in the technology industry.

In addition to these accolades, Gates’ impact on society can be seen through his efforts to eradicate diseases like polio and improve access to education worldwide. Through his philanthropic work, he continues to make a positive difference in the lives of millions of people.

Bill Gates’ journey from a young computer enthusiast to one of the world’s most influential individuals showcases the power of innovation, determination, and the ability to make a lasting impact on the world. His contributions to technology and philanthropy have shaped our present and influence our future, ensuring that his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.