Early Life
William Henry Gates III, born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, displayed an early aptitude for computers. At Lakeside School, he began programming and quickly became engrossed in the world of technology. He wrote his first software program at age 13. His parents, William H. Gates Jr. and Mary Maxwell Gates, initially encouraged him to pursue a career in law. However, Gates's passion for computing led him to enroll at Harvard University, but he dropped out in 1975 to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.
Rise to Success
Gates co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975. They developed software for the Altair 8800, one of the earliest personal computers. The company moved to Bellevue, Washington, in 1979, and then to Redmond, Washington, in 1986. Microsoft's breakthrough came with the MS-DOS operating system and later, with Windows, which became the dominant operating system for personal computers. Gates served as CEO for 25 years, leading Microsoft's rise to become a global technology leader. Microsoft went public in 1986.
Key Business Strategies
Gates's leadership combined an autocratic style with transformational vision. He set clear goals, drove innovation, and was known for his focus on solutions. Microsoft's success was driven by licensing its software to computer manufacturers and continuous innovation. His strategies included recognizing market trends early and adapting the company's offerings accordingly. Also, he placed high value on time management, and emphasized the importance of long-term planning. His focus on vision, innovation, and the ability to take calculated risks contributed significantly to Microsoft's market dominance.
Philanthropy
Gates has become one of the world's most generous philanthropists. In 2000, he and his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. As of 2025, his charitable donations have totaled $100 billion, with $60 billion going to the Foundation. His foundation supports initiatives in global health, education, poverty reduction, and policy and advocacy. Gates has focused on combating preventable diseases, improving maternal and child health, and advancing education worldwide.