Bill Gates, born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, is a pioneering technologist, philanthropist, and co-founder of Microsoft Corporation. With Paul Allen, he started Microsoft in 1975, leading to the development of the personal computer revolution through software like Windows and Office. Gates became one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, later transitioning his focus to philanthropy. In 2000, he and his then-wife Melinda founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, tackling global challenges such as infectious diseases, education, and poverty. Gates remains an influential figure in both technology and global health initiatives.
Divorced (formerly married to Melinda French Gates)
Nationality
American
Exploring Bill Gates Personal Journey
Detail
Information
Name
Bill Gates
Birth Name
William Henry Gates III
Nick Name
Bill
Height
5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
Figure
Slim
Weight
Approximately 154 lbs (70 kg)
Eye Color
Blue
Hair Color
Light Brown
Religion
Agnostic
Present Address
Medina, Washington, USA
Hometown
Seattle, Washington, USA
Bill Gates Education
Detail
Information
Primary Education
Lakeside School, Seattle, Washington, USA
High School
Lakeside School, Seattle, Washington, USA
College/University
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Degree
Left Harvard in 1975 to start Microsoft, no degree earned
Honorary Degrees
Several honorary doctorates, including from Harvard University (2007) and others from institutions like Tsinghua University, Karolinska Institute, etc.
Bill Gates Favorite
Category
Favorite
Food
Thai and Indian cuisine, Burgers
Actor/Actress
N/A
Musicians
U2, Willie Nelson
Song
“Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie
Book
“The Better Angels of Our Nature” by Steven Pinker
Hobbies
Reading, Playing Bridge, Tennis
Films
“Spy Game”
Colour
N/A
Perfume
N/A
Director
N/A
Holiday Destinations
Mediterranean, Australia, Brazil
Likes
Philanthropy, Technology, Innovation
Bill Gates Relationship Journey
Affairs
N/A
Bill Gates Career Journey
Year
Event/Position
Details
1975
Co-founded Microsoft
Co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen while still a student at Harvard University.
1980
IBM Partnership
Secured a deal with IBM to provide an operating system (MS-DOS) for their first personal computer.
1985
Launch of Windows
Launched the first version of Microsoft Windows.
1986
Microsoft IPO
Microsoft went public, making Gates a millionaire and eventually a billionaire.
1995
Launch of Windows 95
Oversaw the release of Windows 95, which became a major success.
2000
Transition to Chief Software Architect
Stepped down as CEO and took the role of Chief Software Architect. Steve Ballmer became CEO.
2000
Co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with his then-wife Melinda.
2006
Transition to Part-time Role at Microsoft
Announced plans to transition to a part-time role at Microsoft to focus more on philanthropy.
2008
Full-time Philanthropy
Stepped down from day-to-day operations at Microsoft to focus full-time on the Gates Foundation.
2014
Stepped down as Chairman of Microsoft
Stepped down as Chairman of Microsoft but remained on the Board of Directors.
2020
Left Microsoft’s Board of Directors
Left the Board of Directors to focus entirely on philanthropic efforts.
2020-present
Focus on Philanthropy
Continues to work through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on global health, education, and poverty alleviation initiatives.
Bill Gates Career Statistics
Statistic
Detail
Microsoft Founding Year
1975
Years Active at Microsoft
1975-2008 (full-time), 2008-2020 (part-time and Board of Directors)
Major Products Developed
MS-DOS, Windows OS, Microsoft Office Suite, Internet Explorer
Windows Versions Launched
Windows 1.0 (1985) to Windows XP (2001) during his active leadership
IPO Year
1986
IPO Stock Price
$21 per share
Market Cap at IPO
$350 million
Net Worth Milestones
Became a billionaire in 1987, World’s Richest Person multiple years
Philanthropic Donations
Over $50 billion donated through Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Foundation Established
2000
Global Health Initiatives
Vaccination programs, Malaria eradication efforts, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention
Education Initiatives
Scholarships, Education reform programs, Support for digital learning
Books Authored
“The Road Ahead” (1995), “Business @ the Speed of Thought” (1999), “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster” (2021)
Awards and Honors
Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016), Turing Award (2019, shared with Paul Allen)
Positions Held at Microsoft
CEO (1975-2000), Chief Software Architect (2000-2006), Chairman (2000-2014)
Companies Acquired Under Gates
Over 100 acquisitions, including notable ones like Visio, Hotmail, Great Plains Software
