Born in Seattle, Washington on October 28, 1955, Bill Gates would grow up to become one of the most transformative figures the technology world has ever seen. As co-founder of Microsoft, he fundamentally changed the landscape of personal computing — most notably through the creation of Windows, software that became virtually synonymous with home and office computers. Beyond the tech realm, Gates has left an equally profound mark as a philanthropist and entrepreneur, channeling his energy and resources into global health, education, and technology initiatives that continue to shape the world today.
Fun Facts:
- Back in 1975, Bill Gates and his childhood friend Paul Allen joined forces to launch Microsoft. Their early efforts centered on building software for the first generation of personal computers, which included developing the MS-DOS operating system.
- The real game-changer arrived in 1985 when Microsoft released Windows. It quickly rose to dominance, establishing itself as the go-to operating system for personal computers around the globe.
- In a now-legendary move, Gates left Harvard University before graduating to pour all his focus into Microsoft — a bold gamble that would eventually make him one of the wealthiest individuals on Earth.
- By 1995, Gates had earned the title of the world's richest person, a distinction he maintained for several years. At the height of his wealth, his net worth surpassed $100 billion.
- Philanthropy is another major chapter in the Gates story. Together with his wife, Melinda Gates, he established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. The organization dedicates itself to tackling global health challenges, improving education, and fighting poverty, having donated billions of dollars to causes across the world.
- An avid reader, Gates has made a habit of publicly sharing his book recommendations and reading lists, frequently highlighting works on science, history, and technology.
- Although he stepped away from his full-time position at Microsoft in 2008, Gates has remained a powerful force in the tech industry, staying engaged as a technology advisor while devoting much of his time to philanthropic endeavors.