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Business News›Magazines›Panache›Panache People 101›Bill Gates
    Bill Gates

    Bill Gates

    Co-founder, Microsoft
    Birth DetailsOctober 28, 1955 | Seattle, United States
    NationalityAmerican
    LeagueEntrepreneur
    EducationHarvard University (Drop out)
    Net Worth$106.4 billion (as of May 19, 2020)
    Bill Gates' Assets:
    • Microsoft
    • Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
    • Branded Entertainment Network
    • TerraPower
    • ResearchGate
    • Gates Ventures

    Bill Gates' Journey so far ...
    • Bill Gates first got to use a computer while attending Lakeside School in Seattle and was instantly hooked to it
    • While in school, he, along with some other students, created a software solution to computerise the school’s payroll system. A collaboration with fellow student Paul Allen resulted in a traffic- counting system -- Traf-O-Data -- which earned them $20,000
    • Gates enrolled into Harvard University in 1973 but dropped out in his junior year to follow his entrepreneurial calling, along with Allen
    • In 1975, the duo developed a software for the first microcomputer -- Altair 8800 -- and ‘Micro-Soft’ was formed with its office in Albuquerque, New Mexico
    • The company was officially renamed Microsoft the following year
    • Business grew, and now, their clients included start-ups such as ‘Apple’
    • They moved the company to Seattle in 1979 and it was there that Microsoft earned high praise
    • During that time, IBM was looking for an operating system (OS) for their personal computer -- IBM PC -- and Gates presented them the solution with MS-DOS
    • The PC released in 1981 and soon the market was exploding with several manufacturers doing a copy
    • Though built for IBM, Microsoft still had the rights to sell their software to other PC manufacturers and so they did
    • Most of the manufacturers adopted MS-DOS for their systems, and, in 1981, their sales more than doubled in comparison to the previous year
    • Windows 1.0 was launched in 1985 following the release of Apple’s Macintosh PC
    • Microsoft went public in 1986, making Gates one of the richest persons in the country
    • The following year, at the age of 31, he became the world’s youngest billionaire -- a title which he held on to until Mark Zuckerberg came into the picture
    • By the mid-90s, Windows had become the standard operating system for most of the PCs running on the planet and the riches continued to follow
    • Soon, they began rolling out other utility and enterprise software, and in 1995, Bill Gates became the richest person in the world
    • Gates stepped down as the CEO of Microsoft in 2000
    • The same year, he along with his wife, Melinda, established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
    • He left his daily job at Microsoft in 2008 while still retaining his position as chairman of the board
    • In 2010, the couple launched the Giving Pledge along with Warren Buffet to encourage the wealthiest people of the world to commit most of their wealth to philanthropic causes
    • In 2014, he relinquished his designation as chairman and assumed the role of technical advisor to support the newly- appointed CEO Satya Nadella
    • He finally resigned from the public boards of both Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway in March 2020
    • Till date, he has donated around $35 billion worth of his Microsoft stocks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
    • Currently, he holds around 1.3% shares of Microsoft and is one of the richest persons in the world

    Before you go ...
    • Bill was fond of the games Monopoly and Risk (a game with the objective to dominate the world) as a child
    • After deliberating for almost a year, Gates and wife Melinda announced their divorce through social media on May 3, 2021


    Last Updated: 22/07/2021

    Bill Gates News

    • Union home minister Amit Shah congratulated the nation for implementation of three new criminal laws- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)- while addressing a press conference on Monday. He said, "First of all, I would like to congratulate the people of the country that about 77 years after independence, our criminal justice system is becoming completely 'Swadeshi'. This will function on Indian ethos."New Criminal Laws: HM Amit Shah explains how the three new acts will help common people
    • Karnataka introduced draft Bill for app-based platforms to provide social security benefits to gig workers and sought public feedback. The Bill proposes fee on transactions and penalties for non-compliance. It aims to protect workers' rights and ensure basic social security. It is inspired by Rajasthan law and includes grievance redressal mechanism and prevention of illegal termination. the Bill promises welfare board, fund for gig workers. Discussions have been held with major platforms and International Labour Organisation for input.
    • The Congress Party called for a law enabling reservation quotas to exceed the 50% cap, aligning with JD(U)'s demand to include Bihar's increased quotas in the Constitution's 9th Schedule. This follows a Patna High Court ruling striking down Bihar's attempt to raise quotas for SCs, STs, and OBCs to 65%.
    • Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has revised his will to redirect his considerable fortune away from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation posthumously. Instead, Buffett plans to allocate his wealth to a new charitable trust managed by his three children, expressing confidence in their values and ability to distribute the funds effectively. This decision marks a significant shift from previous plans where the Gates Foundation and family-related charities were primary beneficiaries of over 99% of his estate.
    • India’s Digital Competition Bill has turned previous foes in the tech industry into unlikely allies and sparked a polarising debate on market practices. The Committee on Digital Competition Law (CDCL) on February 27, submitted its report to the ministry of corporate affairs (MCA) after working on it for more than a year.
    • Reliance Jio and Airtel are preparing to raise tariffs from July 3, 2024, prompting prepaid users to recharge before this date to avoid higher costs. Postpaid users will face immediate price adjustments. The goal is to increase Average Revenue per User (ARPU) for both telecom giants, affecting millions of subscribers across India.
    • Guillermo Söhnlein, former OceanGate CEO, plans to lead an expedition with Blue Marble Exploration to Dean's Blue Hole in the Bahamas, known for its extreme depth and risks. Joined by scientist Kenny Broad and astronaut Scott Parazynski, they aim to explore the uncharted underwater cavern despite its challenges, including hazardous currents and darkness.
    • The limits for financial accommodation extended by the RBI to state governments/ union territories (UTs) through Special Drawing Facility (SDF), WMA, and Overdraft (OD) schemes were last reviewed and announced on April 1, 2022. The RBI further said the SDF availed by state governments/ UTs shall continue to be linked to the quantum of their investments in marketable securities, issued by the government, including auction treasury bills (ATBs).
    • The budget, facing opposition, sets growth targets and tax revenue goals while addressing concerns about IMF loans and tax exemptions to aid economic growth.
    • Centre to issue T-bills worth Rs 2.60 lakh crore in Q2. In an indicative calendar released by the RBI on Friday, the central bank announced 13 sets of auctions in July-September through which states plan to sell bonds and raise funds.
    • Warren Buffett is donating another $5.3 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and four family charities, his biggest annual donation since he began making them in 2006.
    • Implementing these tips can help you not only reduce your electricity bill but also contribute to a more sustainable environment by conserving energy:
    • In less than a month, two cement majors clearly showed their intent. The intent is to grow through an inorganic route. One by complete acquisition, the other by taking a large stake in the company. Another common thing, both of them are focussed on the southern part of India, where the cement companies have a history of being under pressure. So why are they looking toward southern India? The answer lies in something else. It is one of the key raw materials that have become scarce and that is what is leading to a situation where big players clearly know that if they have to grow their capacities they have to pick on companies which have access to that critical raw material. This aggressive consolidation is likely to continue and it is the smaller players which are likely to be targeted.
    • Ebenazer Paul highlights the increasing demand for skilled professionals in medical billing and coding, driven by technological advancements and evolving healthcare regulations. The industry offers diverse opportunities for growth and specialization, with a focus on continuous education and certifications to stay competitive.
    • Phoebe is the daughter of Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates. She has recently confirmed her relationship with Arthur Donald, grandson of The Beatles' superstar Paul McCartney.
    • Step back in time and immerse yourself in the Mughal era at Sunder Nursery. History buffs and nature lovers can rejoice at Purana Qila.
    • HDFC Bank announced major revisions to its credit cardholders about terms and charges. The following changes to your HDFC Bank credit card charges will come into effect on August 1, 2024.
    • Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav responded to the President's Address to the joint session of Parliament, noting it as a traditional representation of the government's views. He emphasized the significance of the speech as reflecting the government's stance. Meanwhile, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari criticized the government, describing it as tired and lacking willpower, with nothing new to offer for the nation's benefit. Congress leader Imran Masood echoed similar sentiments, alleging that the address was predetermined amidst what he termed as a situation akin to an emergency.
    • Breakthrough Energy advances global innovation, emphasizing cost reduction and universal innovation for sustainable development.
    • The Indian government may delay the planned privatisation of state-run general insurers, instead focusing on strengthening three insurers - Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd, National Insurance Co. Ltd, and United India Insurance Co. Ltd - through capital support and business revival plans. The government is expected to infuse about ₹5,000 crore into the insurers this fiscal, shelving any privatisation plan this fiscal.
    • A recent study highlighted challenges faced by health insurance policyholders opting for reimbursement, often resorting to borrowing or dipping into savings for medical bills. Despite expanded coverage, 68% lacked adequate savings for expenses. Cashless treatment remains preferred, with 89% satisfaction, compared to 79% for reimbursements. Delays post-discharge also impact satisfaction.
    • Amidst protests against the Finance Bill, Kenya was designated a major non-NATO ally by US President Joe Biden, sparking concerns of security personnel abducting bloggers and content creators.
    • Amid protests outside Kenya's legislature, discontent over tax hikes escalated, reflecting the economic crisis and dissatisfaction with the government's fiscal policies. Demonstrators clashed with police, demanding President William Ruto's resignation. The unrest highlighted the delicate balance between meeting financial obligations, public discontent, and the country's economic challenges.
    • In its June 8 consultation paper, Sebi had sought feedback from market participants for its plan to revise the eligibility criteria for stocks to be a part of the futures and options (F&O) segment. The regulator wants stocks that are part of the derivatives market to be more liquid and traded by a wide set of market participants to prevent manipulation and lower risks to the system.
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