SubscribeSign In
LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
Bill Gates
Global Rank
#19

Image: Joi Ito from Inbamura, Japan | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Bill Gates

CEO, Microsoft
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$103.692B
Estimated based on Microsoft stock value as of April 27, 2026
-0.09% (24h)
Age
70
Source
Microsoft
Industry
technology
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Bill Gates is an American business magnate, investor, programmer, inventor, and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder of Microsoft. Born in 1955, Gates dropped out of Harvard University to pursue his passion for software, co-founding Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975. His career at Microsoft saw him lead the company to become the world's largest software maker. Gates's net worth is estimated to be $107.7 billion as of February 2026. Beyond his tech endeavors, Gates is dedicated to philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on global health, poverty alleviation, and education.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/27/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

William Henry Gates III was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington. He showed an early aptitude for technology, writing his first computer program at age 13. Gates attended Lakeside School, where he developed his interest in computers. At Harvard University, he met Steve Ballmer, the future CEO of Microsoft.

Rise to Success

In 1975, Gates co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen. The company was instrumental in the rise of personal computers. Microsoft went public in 1986, which made Gates, at age 31, the youngest billionaire at that time. He served as CEO for 25 years. Microsoft's MS-DOS operating system, and later Windows, became industry standards.

Key Business Strategies

Gates's leadership at Microsoft emphasized innovation and a vision for a computer on every desk. He focused on software development and licensing, creating a business model that dominated the industry.

Philanthropy

Gates transitioned from Microsoft to focus on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation focuses on global health, poverty alleviation, and education. Gates and Warren Buffett founded The Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of their wealth to philanthropy.

Career Milestones

1975

Co-founded Microsoft

Co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen, revolutionizing the software industry.

1986

Microsoft IPO

Microsoft went public, making Gates a billionaire at age 31.

2000

Stepped down as CEO of Microsoft

Transitioned from CEO to Chief Software Architect at Microsoft.

2008

Left full-time role at Microsoft

Focused on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Global Health and Development

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

$XB

Focuses on global health, poverty alleviation, and education.

Global Health

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

$1.6B

Commitment to deliver vaccines in the world's poorest countries.

Education

Gates Millennium Scholars Program

$1.6B

Funds education.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose."

"As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others."

"If you can't make it good, at least make it look good."

Leadership Principles

Visionary and Strategic Thinking

Gates articulates a clear vision for the future.

Intellectual Rigour and Continuous Learning

Always learning and adapting.

Empowering Employees

He empowers employees and encourages open communication.

Compare Bill Gates

Net Worth Face-off
Bill Gates vs Elon Musk
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Bill Gates vs Jeff Bezos
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Bill Gates vs Mark Zuckerberg
Compare Wealth →