Changed the world
Since 1987, Bill Gates has consistently been listed among the world’s top billionaires and was the wealthiest person in the world from 1995 to 2017, except in 2008 and from 2010 to 2013. In this slideshow, we explore Gates’ origins and rise as a tech entrepreneur who changed the world.
Leadership roles
Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975 with childhood friend Paul Allen in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He held multiple leadership roles at Microsoft, including chairman, CEO, president, and chief software architect.
Largest individual shareholder
Gates was the largest individual shareholder of Microsoft until May 2014. He was a significant figure in the microcomputer revolution during the 1970s and 1980s.
Net worth surpassed
He became the first centibillionaire in 1999 when his net worth surpassed $100 billion.
Anticompetitive practices
FTC Investigation (1990): The Federal Trade Commission began investigating IBM and Microsoft for possible collusion in operating systems market division, alleging anticompetitive practices.
Marriage and Charity Foundation
Marriage and Charity Foundation (1994): Gates married Melinda French, and they consolidated their charitable efforts under the William H. Gates Foundation, later absorbed into the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Launched Internet Explorer
Richest Man (1995): Gates became the world’s richest man at age 39 with a fortune of $12.9 billion and Microsoft launched Internet Explorer.
Antitrust Charges
Antitrust Charges (1998): The U.S. Justice Department charged Microsoft with anticompetitive practices aimed at maintaining its monopoly in operating systems and extending it to Internet browsers, with support from twenty state attorneys general.
Windows software
Consent Decree Violation (1998): In October 1998, the DOJ also sued Microsoft for violating a 1994 consent decree by forcing computer manufacturers to bundle its Internet browser with Windows software.
Shifted from Microsoft
In June 2008, Gates shifted from Microsoft to focus on full-time work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Technology adviser
Leaving Microsoft Board: Gates stepped down as chairman of Microsoft’s board in February 2014 and became a technology adviser.
Board positions
In March 2020, he left his board positions at Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway to concentrate on philanthropic efforts in climate change, global health, development, and education.
Giving Pledge
Gates co-founded the Giving Pledge in 2010 with Warren Buffett, committing to donate at least half of their wealth to philanthropy.