Founding Microsoft

Altair BASIC
In January 1975, Gates read an issue of Popular Electronics that featured the Altair 8800, an early microcomputer. He and Paul Allen contacted Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS), the Altair's manufacturer, claiming to have developed a BASIC interpreter for the platform, despite not yet having written the code. After MITS expressed interest, Gates and Allen developed an Altair emulator and a BASIC interpreter in a matter of weeks. The successful demonstration at MITS's offices in Albuquerque, New Mexico, led to a deal to distribute the software as Altair BASIC. Gates subsequently took a leave of absence from Harvard to work with Allen at MITS, marking the beginning of their partnership, which Allen named "Micro-Soft" (a combination of "microcomputer" and "software"). The name was officially registered as "Microsoft" in November 1976.

Microsoft's Altair BASIC gained popularity among computer hobbyists, but a leaked pre-market copy was widely distributed without authorization. In response, Gates penned "An Open Letter to Hobbyists" in 1976, criticizing the practice of software piracy and advocating for developers’ rights to payment. This stance was divisive but set a precedent for Microsoft’s approach to intellectual property.

Microsoft became independent of MITS in late 1976 and relocated to Bellevue, Washington, in January 1979. Gates reviewed and often rewrote the company's early code, transitioning from software development to managerial roles as the company expanded.

Partnership with IBM

In July 1980, IBM, the leading computer hardware company, sought Microsoft’s help to develop software for its upcoming personal computer, the IBM PC. While initially discussing a BASIC interpreter, IBM also required an operating system. After a failed negotiation with Digital Research, IBM approached Gates. Microsoft acquired 86-DOS, an operating system developed by Tim Paterson of Seattle Computer Products, and adapted it for the IBM PC. The resulting PC DOS was sold to IBM for $50,000.

Gates strategically retained the rights to the operating system, anticipating that other manufacturers would create IBM-compatible PCs. This decision led to the widespread adoption of MS-DOS, establishing Microsoft as a key player in the software industry. By the early 1980s, Microsoft had transformed from a small business into a leading software company.

Introduction of Windows

In 1985, Microsoft launched the first retail version of Microsoft Windows, a graphical operating system designed to compete with Apple’s Macintosh. The interface, noted for its simplicity, aimed to attract a broader user base.

In 1986, Microsoft partnered with IBM to develop a new operating system, OS/2, but creative differences strained the collaboration. The company refocused on Windows, releasing iterative versions that gradually evolved from DOS-based architecture to standalone systems. Notable milestones included Windows 95, which debuted a user-friendly interface, and Windows XP, released in 2001, shortly after Gates stepped down as CEO.

Management Style

Gates played an active role in software development during Microsoft’s early years, contributing code to key projects such as TRS-80 Model 100 and DONKEY.BAS, a driving game included in PC DOS. Over time, his focus shifted to management and strategy. While praised for his technical acumen, Gates faced criticism for business tactics deemed anti-competitive, a stance upheld in several court rulings.

In 2006, Gates announced plans to transition from his day-to-day role at Microsoft to focus on philanthropy. By 2008, he had fully delegated his responsibilities to Ray Ozzie (chief software architect) and Craig Mundie (chief research and strategy officer), marking the end of his active tenure at Microsoft.

Political Positions

Donation to Future Forward USA Action

In October 2024, The New York Times reported that Bill Gates had donated $50 million to Future Forward USA Action, a 501(c)(4) organization supporting Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential campaign. While Gates did not explicitly confirm the donation or endorse Harris, he described the election as "different."

Regulation of the Software Industry

During testimony before the United States Senate in 1998, Gates rejected the need for regulation of the software industry. He was reportedly upset during the Federal Trade Commission's investigation of Microsoft in the 1990s, referring to proposed regulatory measures as "socialistic" and later "Communistic" during a meeting with Commissioner Dennis Yao.

Views on Donald Trump’s Facebook Ban

Following Facebook and Twitter's bans on Donald Trump in February 2021, Gates expressed concerns about a permanent ban. He described such measures as "extreme" and warned they could exacerbate political polarization, emphasizing that Trump had received significant electoral support despite losing the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

COVID-19 Vaccine Patents

Gates faced criticism in April 2021 for opposing the waiver of intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines. Critics argued that maintaining patents hindered vaccine access in poorer nations. Gates also advised Oxford University against making its COVID-19 research publicly accessible, instead advocating for partnerships with a single industry entity. His stance reflected his broader belief in the value of legal monopolies, a position consistent with his views on software development.

Cryptocurrencies

Gates has criticized cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, for their lack of societal contributions and potential risks to smaller investors. He has stated that he does not own any cryptocurrencies and views them as offering no “valuable output.”

Philanthropy

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

In 1994, Gates donated Microsoft stock to establish the William H. Gates Foundation, which in 2000 merged with two other family foundations to form the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. By 2013, the foundation had assets exceeding $34.6 billion, making it the world's largest charitable organization. The foundation supports initiatives in global health, education, and poverty alleviation, including vaccine distribution, disease eradication, and family planning programs.

The foundation has faced criticism for investing in companies accused of worsening social inequalities. A 2007 Los Angeles Times report highlighted conflicts between its philanthropic goals and its investment practices. Despite a review, the foundation maintained its strategy of maximizing investment returns while using its influence as a shareholder to promote ethical practices.

Notable Contributions

Gates has made significant personal donations to educational institutions, including $20 million to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for a computer laboratory and $6 million for Stanford University’s Gates Computer Science Building. He has also supported sanitation innovations, funding projects like the "Reinvent the Toilet Challenge" to improve global sanitation.

In 2017, Gates pledged $100 million toward Alzheimer’s disease research through the Dementia Discovery Fund and other initiatives. Gates and his ex-wife, Melinda, plan to leave their children $10 million each, committing to donate the majority of their wealth to philanthropy.

Giving Pledge

In December 2010, Gates, Melinda, and Warren Buffett founded the Giving Pledge, encouraging billionaires to donate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes. Gates reiterated his commitment in 2022, announcing plans to give "virtually all" his wealth to charity and to eventually leave the list of the world's richest individuals.

Additional Contributions

The foundation has contributed to OpenStax, a provider of free digital textbooks, and supported disaster relief efforts, such as distributing $600,000 to aid victims of the 2018 Kerala floods in India. Gates has also promoted educational initiatives by offering free ebooks to graduates and students globally.

Charity Sports Events

Gates participated in charity tennis matches with Roger Federer, raising millions for African children's education and healthcare. In 2017 and 2018, the events collectively raised over $4.5 million.

Books

Gates has authored several books, including The Road Ahead (1995), Business @ the Speed of Thought (1999), How to Avoid a Climate Disaster (2021), and How to Prevent the Next Pandemic (2022). His memoir, Source Code, is scheduled for publication in 2025.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Gates married Melinda French on January 1, 1994, and they had three children. The couple divorced in August 2021 after 27 years of marriage. Gates confirmed a relationship with Paula Hurd in 2023. He became a grandfather in March 2023.

Hobbies and Interests

Gates is an avid reader and enjoys bridge, golf, and tennis. His home library features a quote from The Great Gatsby. He owns the Codex Leicester, a collection of Leonardo da Vinci's writings, and is color-blind.

Public Image

Gates's image evolved from a "ruthless tycoon" to a philanthropic "techno-savior" after founding his charitable foundation. However, his public reputation faced challenges in 2021 due to his divorce and scrutiny of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Gates has been the target of conspiracy theories, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, involving unfounded claims about vaccines and microchips. He has dismissed these theories as baseless.

Religious Views

Gates has described himself as respectful of religion, noting its importance in moral systems. While he aligns with scientific explanations, he has expressed a belief in God, though he is unsure how that belief influences decisions in daily life.

Wealth

In 1987, Gates became the youngest-ever self-made billionaire at the age of 31, with a net worth of $1.25 billion, as featured in Forbes magazine's inaugural America's richest issue. He has consistently appeared on The World's Billionaires list and held the title of the world's richest person multiple times, including in 1995, 1996, 1998–2007, and 2009. His reign as the richest person ended in 2018 when Jeff Bezos surpassed him. As of June 2024, Gates's net worth is estimated at $154 billion, making him the sixth-richest person globally, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Notable Milestones

• 1999: Gates's wealth surpassed $100 billion, making him the first person to achieve this milestone.
• 2000s: His Microsoft holdings declined in value due to the dot-com bubble burst and his significant charitable donations.
• 2013: Regained the title of the richest person from Carlos Slim, only to lose it again temporarily in 2014.
• 2017: Jeff Bezos overtook Gates as the richest person in the world.
• 2019: Briefly reclaimed the top position after a 48% rise in Microsoft's stock value.

Gates's wealth doubled between 2009 and 2014, growing from $40 billion to $82 billion. Despite his immense fortune, Gates has publicly expressed discomfort with being the wealthiest person, citing unwanted attention.

Philanthropy and Taxation

Gates has donated billions of dollars to his charitable foundations, which has reduced his net worth over the years. He advocates for higher taxes on the wealthy and has stated that he has paid over $6 billion in taxes, saying, "I've paid more tax than any individual ever, and gladly so."

Investments and Business Ventures

Outside of Microsoft, Gates has diversified his investments:

• Corbis: Founded in 1989, a digital imaging company.
• Berkshire Hathaway: Joined the board in 2004, alongside long-time friend Warren Buffett.
• Microsoft Compensation (2006): Earned $966,667, including a salary of $616,667 and a bonus of $350,000.

Depiction in Media

Documentary Films About Bill Gates

The Machine That Changed the World (1990)
A documentary that explores the history of the computer industry, including Gates's role in the development of Microsoft.

Triumph of the Nerds (1996)
A documentary detailing the rise of the personal computer, with a focus on key figures such as Gates.

Nerds 2.0.1 (1998)
A follow-up documentary that continues the story of the tech industry's pioneers, including Bill Gates.

Waiting for "Superman" (2010)
A documentary on the American education system, in which Gates plays a role through his philanthropic efforts in education reform.

The Virtual Revolution (2010)
A series that discusses the internet and its impact on the world, featuring Bill Gates.

Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates (2019)
A Netflix documentary series that provides an in-depth look at Gates's life, his philanthropic work, and his impact on technology.

Feature Films

Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)
A made-for-TV film that chronicles the rise of Apple and Microsoft. Gates is portrayed by actor Anthony Michael Hall.

Nothing So Strange (2002)
A mockumentary about a modern assassination attempt on Gates, who briefly appears in the film, played by Steve Sires.

The Social Network (2010)
A film about the creation of Facebook, in which Gates is portrayed by Steve Sires.

Steve Jobs vs. Bill Gates: The Competition to Control the Personal Computer, 1974–1999 (2015)
A National Geographic Channel film exploring the rivalry between Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, part of the American Genius series.

Video and Film Clips

With Steve Jobs at D: All Things Digital (2007)
A recorded conversation between Bill Gates and Steve Jobs at the D5 Conference, discussing their rivalry and the tech industry.

Macintosh Dating Game (1983)
Gates participates in a parody of the TV show The Dating Game at a pre-launch event for Apple's Macintosh computer.

Gates at the Berkeley Macintosh Users Group (1991)
Gates speaks at a lively weekly meeting hosted by the University of California, Berkeley.

Steve Jobs and Bill Gates Together at D5 Conference (2007)
A filmed conversation between Gates and Jobs at the All Things Digital conference, available on YouTube.

TED Talks (Since 2009)
Gates has delivered numerous TED Talks on topics such as innovation, education, and global health issues.

Radio

• BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs (2016)
  Gates appeared on this iconic radio show, where he discussed his personal life, relationships, and habits. He shared his music preferences, a book recommendation (The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker), and his luxury item (a DVD collection of lectures from The Teaching Company).

Television

Frasier (200th Episode)
Gates made a brief appearance as himself in this popular sitcom.

The Big Bang Theory
Gates guest-starred as himself in an episode titled "The Gates Excitation."

Silicon Valley (2019)
Gates made a cameo appearance in the series finale of the popular TV show.

The Simpsons
Gates was parodied in the episode "Das Bus," a satirical portrayal of his public image.

Amol Rajan Interviews (2023)
Gates was interviewed in an episode of the BBC Two series Amol Rajan Interviews.

The Billionaires Who Made Our World (2023)
Gates was the subject of an episode of this UK Channel 4 series, exploring the lives of influential billionaires.

References 

• (No date) File:Bill Gates July 2014.jpg - Wikimedia Commons. Available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bill_Gates_July_2014.jpg (Accessed: 04 January 2025).
• Bhaharul (no date) Millions of PNG images, backgrounds and vectors for free download, Pngtree. Available at: https://pngtree.com/ (Accessed: 04 January 2025).
• Bill Gates (no date a) Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Available at: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/leadership/bill-gates (Accessed: 04 January 2025).
• Bill Gates (no date b) Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/profile/bill-gates/ (Accessed: 04 January 2025).
• TOI Tech Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Jan 3, 2025 (no date) When Bill Gates predicted the ‘demise’ of Apple’s most-popular gadget - times of India, The Times of India. Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/when-bill-gates-predicted-the-demise-of-apples-most-popular-gadget/articleshow/116907129.cms (Accessed: 04 January 2025).