Early Life and Education

Born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, William Henry Gates III, better known as Bill Gates, showed early signs of intelligence and a passion for technology. He attended Lakeside School where he first became interested in computers. Gates went on to study at Harvard University but dropped out in 1975 to pursue his dream of starting a software company with his childhood friend Paul Allen.

Career and Microsoft

In 1975, Gates and Allen founded Microsoft, a company that would go on to revolutionize the computer industry. Their big break came in 1980 when they signed a contract with IBM to provide an operating system for their new personal computer. This led to the development of MS-DOS, which became the foundation for Microsoft's success.

Over the years, Microsoft grew into a global powerhouse, dominating the software market with products like Windows and Office. Gates served as CEO of the company until 2000 when he stepped down to focus on philanthropy.

Philanthropy and Achievements

Bill Gates is not only known for his contributions to the tech industry but also for his philanthropic efforts. In 2000, he and his then-wife Melinda Gates established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the largest private charitable foundations in the world. The foundation focuses on global health, education, and poverty alleviation.

Gates has received numerous awards and honors for his work both in technology and philanthropy. He has been named Time magazine's Person of the Year and has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Bill Gates' net worth is estimated to be around $130 billion, making him one of the richest people in the world. Despite his wealth, Gates has pledged to donate a significant portion of his fortune to charitable causes through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Personal Life

Bill Gates was married to Melinda French from 1994 until their divorce in 2021. They have three children together. In his free time, Gates enjoys reading books and playing bridge.

Overall, Bill Gates' impact on the tech industry and philanthropy cannot be overstated. His dedication to improving global health and education has made him a respected figure around the world.