Bill Gates Biography : William Henry Gates III, commonly known as Bill Gates, is a prominent American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author. Born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, Gates is best known for co-founding Microsoft Corporation, the world’s largest personal-computer software company. His innovative vision and strategic business acumen transformed the technology landscape and made him one of the wealthiest individuals in modern history. Beyond his business achievements, Gates has dedicated much of his life to philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on global health, education, and poverty alleviation.
Personal Information
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Henry Gates III |
| Date of Birth | October 28, 1955 |
| Place of Birth | Seattle, Washington |
| Occupation | Businessman, Philanthropist |
| Education | Harvard University (dropped out) |
| Spouse | Melinda French Gates (m. 1994; div. 2021) |
| Children | Jennifer Katharine Gates, Rory John Gates, Phoebe Adele Gates |
Family
Bill Gates was born to William H. Gates II and Mary Maxwell Gates. His father was a prominent lawyer in Seattle, while his mother was a school teacher and later became the first female board member of a major bank in Seattle. Gates has two siblings: an older sister named Kristi and a younger sister named Libby.
In 1994, Bill Gates married Melinda French at a private ceremony on the Hawaiian island of Lanai. The couple has three children: Jennifer (born in 1996), Rory (born in 1999), and Phoebe (born in 2002). After 27 years of marriage, Bill and Melinda announced their divorce in May 2021 but continue to work together on philanthropic efforts.
Career
Early Career
Gates exhibited an early interest in computers and programming. He attended Lakeside School in Seattle, where he met Paul Allen. Together they formed a venture called Traf-O-Data to analyze traffic data using a computer program. After graduating high school in 1973, Gates enrolled at Harvard University to study law but soon shifted his focus to computer science.
Founding Microsoft
In 1975, after dropping out of Harvard, Gates and Allen founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their first product was a version of BASIC programming language for the Altair 8800 microcomputer. The partnership flourished as Microsoft grew rapidly during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
In 1980, Microsoft signed a pivotal contract with IBM to provide an operating system for their new personal computer. The result was MS-DOS, which became the standard operating system for IBM PCs and propelled Microsoft into a position of dominance in the software industry.
Rise to Prominence
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Microsoft continued to innovate with products like Windows operating system and Microsoft Office suite. Under Gates’ leadership, Microsoft became synonymous with personal computing. By the mid-1990s, it was one of the most valuable companies globally.
Despite facing antitrust lawsuits from the U.S. government due to alleged monopolistic practices, Gates remained at the helm until he stepped down as CEO in January 2000. He continued as chairman and chief software architect until transitioning to full-time philanthropy work in 2008.
Philanthropy
In June 2008, Gates began focusing on his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Established in 2000 with his then-wife Melinda, the foundation aims to enhance healthcare and reduce extreme poverty globally while expanding educational opportunities and access to information technology in the U.S.
Interesting Facts
- Young Prodigy: At age 13, Gates developed his first software program.
- SAT Score: He scored an impressive 1590 out of 1600 on his SAT.
- Pancake Sorting Algorithm: While at Harvard, he created an efficient algorithm for sorting pancakes that held records for decades.
- First Job: His first job was as a congressional page at age 17.
- Centibillionaire: In 1999, he became the world’s first centibillionaire when his net worth exceeded $100 billion.
Net Worth
As of October 2023, Bill Gates’ net worth is estimated to be around $114 billion according to Forbes. This wealth primarily stems from his holdings in Microsoft and various investments through his investment firm Cascade Investment LLC.
Wealth & Spending
Bill Gates is known for his philanthropic endeavors rather than extravagant spending habits typical of many billionaires. His foundation focuses on:
- Global Health Initiatives: Funding vaccines and health programs worldwide.
- Education: Supporting educational reform and scholarships.
- Climate Change: Investing in sustainable energy technologies.
- Public Libraries: Supporting access to information through libraries worldwide.
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Social Media Handles
- Instagram : @thisisbillgates
- Twitter/ X : @billgates
- Linkedin : @williamhgates
Conclusion Of Bill Gates Biography
Bill Gates’ journey from a curious young programmer to one of the most influential figures in technology exemplifies innovation and entrepreneurship. His legacy is not only defined by Microsoft but also by his significant contributions to global health and education through philanthropy. As he continues to address pressing global issues through his foundation, Gates remains a pivotal figure shaping both technology and humanitarian efforts.
FAQ
What is Bill Gates famous for?
Bill Gates is famous for co-founding Microsoft Corporation and revolutionizing personal computing with software products like Windows and Office.
Who is owned by Bill Gates?
Bill Gates does not own any individual; however, he has significant shares in various companies through investments.
Does Bill Gates still own Microsoft?
Gates stepped down from day-to-day operations at Microsoft in 2008 but retains some shares; however, he no longer holds an executive role within the company.
What was Bill Gates’ first job?
His first job was as a congressional page at age 17.
How does Bill Gates spend his money?
Gates primarily spends his money on philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation focusing on health care, education reform, climate change initiatives, and more.
What is Bill Gates’ age?
As of now (October 2023), Bill Gates is 67 years old.
What is Bill Gates’ net worth?
Bill Gates’ net worth is estimated at approximately $114 billion as of October 2023.
Who is Bill Gates’ wife?
Bill Gates was married to Melinda French Gates from 1994 until their divorce in May 2021.
Who are Bill Gates’ children?
Gates has three children: Jennifer Katharine (born in 1996), Rory John (born in 1999), and Phoebe Adele (born in 2002).
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