How Did Microsoft Become So Successful? The Backstory: Bill Gates

Summary

Bill Gates, born in 1955, transformed from a computer-obsessed teenager into a business magnate and philanthropist. His journey began at Lakeside School, where he developed a passion for computers. After dropping out of Harvard, he co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen. The company's success with MS-DOS and Windows made Gates the youngest billionaire at 31. Post-retirement, he focused on philanthropy, establishing the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and investing in sustainable technologies and global health initiatives.

Takeaways

• 👶 Bill Gates was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, and came from a middle-class family.
• 🎓 At the age of 13, Gates was enrolled at the exclusive preparatory Lakeside School where his interest in computers began.
• 💻 He wrote a tic-tac-toe program in BASIC, showing early programming skills.
• 🏢 Gates dropped out of Harvard after two years to start Microsoft with his friend Paul Allen.
• 💼 Microsoft grew rapidly, with Gates as its head at the age of 23, and grossed approximately 2.5 million USD within four years.
• 📈 The development of MS-DOS for IBM led to significant growth, increasing Microsoft's revenue to 16 million USD.
• 🔝 At 31, Gates became the youngest billionaire ever when Microsoft went public.
• 💍 He met his future wife Melinda, and they married, influencing his later philanthropic endeavors.
• 🏆 Gates was named Forbes' richest man at 39 and held the title until 2009.
• 🌐 He launched Internet Explorer as part of Windows 95 and published his first book, 'The Road Ahead'.
• 📚 Gates stepped down as Microsoft's CEO in 2000, focusing on philanthropy and humanitarian work.
• 🤝 The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was formed in 2000, merging two previous foundations.
• 💰 Gates, along with other billionaires, pledged to donate at least half of their wealth to charity.
• 🌱 He is an active investor in renewables, alternative energy solutions, and sustainable development projects.
• 🚽 His latest endeavor includes reinventing the toilet to turn waste into clean water and energy.

Q & A

When and where was Bill Gates born?

Bill Gates was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington.

What was Bill Gates' family background?

Bill Gates came from a middle-class family and was the second child between two sisters.

At what age did Bill Gates start showing an interest in computers?

Bill Gates' fascination with computers began when he was around the age of 13.

Which school did Bill Gates attend that had a teletype terminal?

Bill Gates attended the exclusive preparatory Lakeside School in Seattle, where he had access to a teletype terminal.

What program did Bill Gates write during his time at Lakeside School?

At Lakeside School, Bill Gates wrote a tic-tac-toe program in BASIC computer language.

Why did Bill Gates drop out of Harvard University?

Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard after two years to focus on his own business with his old school friend, Paul Allen.

What was the name of the company Bill Gates co-founded with Paul Allen?

Bill Gates and Paul Allen co-founded the company Microsoft.

How much revenue was Microsoft generating after four years of its establishment?

After four years, Microsoft was grossing approximately 2.5 million US dollars.

At what age did Bill Gates become the youngest billionaire ever?

Bill Gates became the youngest billionaire ever at the age of 31 when Microsoft stocks reached $90.75 a share.

What was the name of the book Bill Gates published that became a number-one seller?

Bill Gates published a book called 'The Road Ahead,' which became a number-one seller.

In what year did Bill Gates step down as Microsoft's CEO?

Bill Gates stepped down as Microsoft's CEO in the year 2000.

What philanthropic organization did Bill and Melinda Gates establish?

Bill and Melinda Gates established the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000.

What is one of Bill Gates' latest endeavors mentioned in the script?

One of Bill Gates' latest endeavors is reinventing the toilet to turn waste into clean water and energy.