Bill Gates

ABOUT

Bill Gates is an American business magnate, software developer, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, a technology company that transformed the personal computing landscape. Born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, Gates became a pivotal figure in the tech industry and has significantly influenced modern computing. He led Microsoft to become one of the most influential companies in the world. Gates is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which focuses on global health, education, and poverty reduction.

BEFORE FAME

Gates developed an interest in programming at an early age. He attended Lakeside School, a private preparatory school in Seattle, where he was first exposed to computers. Gates wrote his first software program on the school's General Electric computer at the age of 13. In 1973, he enrolled at Harvard University, where he met Steve Ballmer, who later became Microsoft's CEO. However, Gates dropped out of Harvard in 1975 to pursue his passion for software development. Along with his childhood friend Paul Allen, Gates co-founded Microsoft, initially focusing on software for the emerging microcomputer industry.

TRIVIA

• Gates was once the richest person in the world, holding the title for several years.
• He famously reversed the "Open Letter to Hobbyists," wherein he criticized the early hacking and pirating of software, asserting the need for a software industry that compensates developers.
• Gates has made a public commitment to donate most of his wealth to philanthropy through the Giving Pledge initiative, which he launched with Warren Buffett.
• He is an avid reader and has shared book recommendations via his blog, Gates Notes.

FAMILY LIFE

Bill Gates married Melinda French on January 1, 1994. The couple has three children: Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe. The Gates family has remained largely private, despite Bill and Melinda's high-profile public and philanthropic engagements. In May 2021, Bill and Melinda announced their decision to divorce after 27 years of marriage, emphasizing their continued collaboration on philanthropic endeavors through their foundation.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Bill Gates is closely associated with several renowned individuals in the tech and business world, including:

• Paul Allen: Co-founder of Microsoft and long-time collaborator.
• Steve Ballmer: Former CEO of Microsoft and Gates' Harvard classmate.
• Warren Buffett: Business magnate and close friend; Gates serves on the board of Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway, and both are co-founders of the Giving Pledge.
• Satya Nadella: Current CEO of Microsoft since 2014, under whose leadership Microsoft has continued to thrive.
• Jeff Bezos: Founder of Amazon; Gates and Bezos have shared the title of world's richest person at different times.

Bill Gates remains a highly influential figure, both in the realm of technology and global philanthropy, with a lasting legacy that spans decades.