Bill Gates, born in Seattle, Washington, in 1955, was a bright and curious child with a keen interest in computers. At the age of 13, he was already spending hours at the Computer Center Corporation, where he honed his programming skills. In 1973, while studying at Harvard University, Gates and his friend Paul Allen saw the potential in the emerging personal computer industry. They dropped out of college to pursue this opportunity, leading to the creation of Microsoft in 1975.

Bill Gates’ Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Bill Gates’ net worth is estimated to be around $139 billion, according to Forbes. This makes him one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.

Bill Gates’ Career

Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975, which became the world’s largest PC software company. He served as the CEO until 2000, then as chairman and chief software architect until 2006. He stepped down from the board in 2020 to focus on his philanthropic endeavors.

Bill Gates’ Other Ventures

Gates is also a co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which focuses on enhancing healthcare and reducing extreme poverty globally. Additionally, he has invested in various companies through his investment company, Cascade Investment.

Bill Gates’ Assets

Gates’ assets include a 66,000-square-foot estate in Medina, Washington, known as Xanadu 2.0, and a private jet. He also has significant investments in stocks and bonds, primarily through Cascade Investment.

Bill Gates’ Annual Income

Gates’ annual income is primarily derived from dividends from his investments. In 2021, his annual income was estimated to be around $50 million, according to Forbes. However, this can vary significantly from year to year.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Bill Gates

Frequently Asked Questions: Bill Gates Net Worth

1. What is Bill Gates’ net worth?

Bill Gates’ net worth is estimated to be around $139 billion as of 2021.

2. How did Bill Gates make his money?

Bill Gates made his fortune primarily through Microsoft, the software company he co-founded with Paul Allen in 1975. He served as the company’s CEO until 2000 and continues to be a technology advisor and board member.

3. What is Bill Gates’ annual salary?

As of 2021, Bill Gates’ annual salary from Microsoft is reported to be around $1.6 million. However, a significant portion of his income comes from dividends and capital gains from his investments.

4. What is the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation?

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a charitable organization founded by Bill Gates and his then-wife Melinda French Gates in 2000. The foundation aims to enhance healthcare and reduce extreme poverty globally, and to expand educational opportunities and access to information technology in the United States.

5. How much has Bill Gates donated to charity?

As of 2021, Bill Gates has donated more than $50 billion to philanthropic causes, primarily through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He has also signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of his wealth to charitable causes.

6. What is Bill Gates’ involvement in the Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance?

Bill Gates is a co-founder and co-chair of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which aims to increase access to vaccines for children in the world’s poorest countries. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is one of Gavi’s primary donors.

7. What is Bill Gates’ stance on climate change?

Bill Gates is a strong advocate for climate change action. He has written a book titled “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need” and has invested in various clean energy technologies through his Breakthrough Energy Ventures fund.

8. What are some of Bill Gates’ investments outside of Microsoft?

Bill Gates has invested in various sectors outside of Microsoft, including energy, healthcare, and technology. Some of his notable investments include Canadian National Railway, Ecolab, and Republic Services. He is also a co-owner of the Seattle Kraken, an NHL hockey team.

9. What is Bill Gates’ role in the development of the COVID-19 vaccines?

Bill Gates and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have been involved in the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines through their support of organizations like Gavi and the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility. However, Gates himself is not involved in the scientific research or development of the vaccines.

10. What is Bill Gates’ philanthropic focus for the future?

Bill Gates has stated that his philanthropic focus for the future will be on addressing global challenges such as climate change, global health, and global poverty. He has also expressed interest in supporting innovative technologies that can help tackle these issues, such as nuclear energy and synthetic meat.