Bill Gates

Founder of Microsoft

Childhood

Born October 28, 1955 to William H. Gates II & Mary Gates.

Grew up in Seattle, WA. 2 sisters- Kristi (older) and Libby (younger).

Father was a Seattle attorney Mother was a schoolteacher, University of

Washington regent, & chairman of United Way International.

His real name is William H. Gates III.

School DaysEnrolled into Lakeside Prep at age 13.Wrote his first computer program in 8th

grade.Graduated from Lakeside and

registered at Harvard College in the fall of 1973.

SAT score: 1590 out of 1600.

CollegeLived down the hall from Steve

Ballmer his freshman year at Harvard. Steve is now Microsoft’s chief executive officer.

His sophomore year, he developed a solution to one of a series of unsolved problems that was later published in a paper with Harvard scientists.

Solution held record as the fastest version in over thirty years.

Moving On Gates, and long-time friend Paul Allen, began

Microsoft in 1975. Left Harvard his junior year to devote his life

to Microsoft. Had a passion for computers and creating

software. Believed that the computer would soon be a

valuable tool in every home. Created software for personal computers.

NowChairman of Microsoft Corp.

Has brought the company to continually advance and improve software technology.

He has made it easier, more cost-effective and more enjoyable to use computers.

Microsoft is now the worldwide leader in software, services, and solutions that help people and businesses reach full potential.

Other…* Currently employs over 78,000 people in 105

countries and regions.* Had revenues of $52.12 billion for the year

ending in June 2007.* Gates has been responsible for the company’s

strategies until 2006.* He has vigorously broadened the company’s

range of products.

Other…Gates and his wife, Melinda, created a foundation called the Bill & Melinda Gates

Foundation.It has over $28.8 billion to support charitable

initiatives in the areas of global health and education.

He has written two books, The Road Ahead (1995) and Business @ the Speed of Thought

(1999).

Bill Gates ($53 billion) is now the 2nd richest man in the world, behind Carlos Slim

Helu ($53.5 billion).