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

Dukascopy TV (EN)
30 Jan 201904:31

Summary

TLDRBill 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

  • πŸ‘Ά Bill Gates was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, and came from a middle-class family.
  • πŸŽ“ At the age of 13, Gates was enrolled at the exclusive preparatory Lakeside School where his interest in computers began.
  • πŸ’» 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.
  • πŸ’Ό Microsoft grew rapidly, with Gates as its head at the age of 23, and grossed approximately 2.5 million USD within four years.
  • πŸ“ˆ The development of MS-DOS for IBM led to significant growth, increasing Microsoft's revenue to 16 million USD.
  • πŸ” At 31, Gates became the youngest billionaire ever when Microsoft went public.
  • πŸ’ He met his future wife Melinda, and they married, influencing his later philanthropic endeavors.
  • πŸ† 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'.
  • πŸ“š 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.
  • πŸ’° 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.

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Related Tags
Bill GatesMicrosoftEntrepreneurPhilanthropyTech HistoryHarvard DropoutSoftware PioneerCharitable BillionaireDigital VisionaryInnovation