Gates Net Worth (Updated 2025).
Bill Gates, born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, was not your typical tech prodigy. He didn’t start coding at the age of two or drop out of college to launch his first startup. Instead, Gates’ journey began in the mid-1970s, during his time at Harvard University, where he met his future business partner, Paul Allen.
It was in 1975, while still a student, that Gates first read about the Altair 8800, an early personal computer. Seeing the potential in this new technology, he dropped out of Harvard and, with Allen, founded Microsoft in 1976. Their first product was a version of the BASIC programming language for the Altair, marking the beginning of Gates’ career in the tech industry.
Bill Gates’ Current Net Worth
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. His fortune primarily comes from his ownership of Microsoft, the tech giant he co-founded in 1975.
Bill Gates’ Career
Bill Gates, born William Henry Gates III in 1955, is an American business magnate, software developer, and philanthropist. He co-founded Microsoft, the world’s largest software business, with Paul Allen in 1975. Gates served as the company’s CEO until 2000, and since then, he has remained a technology advisor and board member. He stepped down from the board in 2020 to focus on his philanthropic endeavors.
Other Ventures
Besides Microsoft, Gates has invested in various other ventures. He co-chairs the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which focuses on enhancing healthcare and reducing extreme poverty globally. He is also the co-founder of Breakthrough Energy, a group investing in clean energy technologies. Additionally, Gates has made significant investments in sectors like agriculture, education, and real estate.
Assets
Gates’ assets include a 66,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style mansion in Medina, Washington, valued at over $120 million. He also owns a private jet, a collection of luxury cars, and extensive farmland in Washington state. Moreover, he holds significant stakes in various companies, including Microsoft and Canadian National Railway.
Annual Income
According to Forbes, Bill Gates’ annual income is approximately $20 million. This is primarily from his dividends and interest from his investment portfolio, as well as his salary from Microsoft. However, his wealth primarily grows from the increase in the value of his Microsoft stock, which is not considered income but an appreciation of his assets.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gates
**Q: What is Bill Gates’ net worth?**
As of recent estimates, Bill Gates’ net worth is approximately $139 billion.
**Q: How did Bill Gates make his fortune?**
Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft, the world’s largest software company, in 1975. He served as the company’s CEO until 2000 and remained as chairman and chief software architect until 2006. He stepped down from the board in 2020 to focus on his philanthropic endeavors.
**Q: What is Bill Gates’ salary?**
Bill Gates’ annual salary from Microsoft is not publicly disclosed. However, as of 2021, his total compensation from the company was $2 million.
**Q: What is the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation?**
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a global philanthropic organization founded by Bill Gates and his then-wife Melinda French Gates in 2000. It aims to enhance healthcare and reduce extreme poverty globally, and to expand educational opportunities and access to information technology in the United States.
**Q: What is Bill Gates’ involvement in the foundation?**
Bill Gates is a co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He is actively involved in setting the foundation’s agenda and works closely with its leadership team. He also donates a significant portion of his wealth to the foundation.
**Q: What is Bill Gates’ investment strategy?**
Bill Gates is known for his value investing strategy, influenced by legendary investor Warren Buffett. He focuses on investing in companies with strong business models and long-term growth prospects. Some of his notable investments include Berkshire Hathaway, Canadian National Railway, and Ecolab.
**Q: What is Bill Gates’ stance on climate change?**
Bill Gates is a strong advocate for climate action. He has invested in various clean energy technologies and co-founded the Breakthrough Energy venture capital firm, which focuses on funding innovative climate solutions. He has also written a book titled “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need.”
**Q: What is Bill Gates’ opinion on cryptocurrency?**
Bill Gates has expressed skepticism about cryptocurrency. In a 2018 interview, he stated that he would short Bitcoin if he could, citing its lack of intrinsic value and its use in illegal activities.
**Q: What is Bill Gates’ involvement in the Giving Pledge?**
Bill Gates and his wife Melinda French Gates co-founded the Giving Pledge in 2010, along with Warren Buffett. The pledge encourages the world’s wealthiest individuals to commit to giving at least 50% of their wealth to philanthropic causes either during their lifetime or in their will.
**Q: What are Bill Gates’ future plans?**
Bill Gates has stated that he plans to continue his work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and focus on addressing global challenges such as climate change, health equity, and education. He also plans to spend more time with his family and on his personal interests, such as reading and learning new skills.
