Paul Allen, born on January 21, 1953, in Seattle, Washington, began his career in the tech industry at a young age. After earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Washington State University, he started his first job at Honeywell in 1974, where he honed his programming skills and developed a keen interest in the burgeoning personal computer scene.

In 1975, Allen met Bill Gates, his future business partner, while both were working at Honeywell. The two shared a passion for computers and started working together on various projects, including a version of the programming language BASIC for the Altair 8800, an early personal computer. This collaboration led to the founding of Microsoft in 1976, with Allen investing $50,000 and serving as the company’s technical visionary.

Paul Allen’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Paul Allen’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 billion, according to Forbes. This figure reflects his vast business endeavors and investments.

Paul Allen’s Career

Paul Allen co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975. He played a crucial role in the development of the company’s early operating systems. After leaving Microsoft in 1983, Allen became a prominent investor and philanthropist.

Other Ventures

Allen’s investment portfolio includes stakes in various tech companies like Facebook and Twitter. He also owns sports teams such as the Seattle Seahawks and the Portland Trail Blazers. Additionally, he founded Vulcan Inc., a company that manages his various business ventures and philanthropic efforts.

Assets

Allen’s assets include a vast art collection, a 414-foot yacht named “Octopus,” and multiple private homes across the U.S. He also owns the 60,000-acre Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle, dedicated to neuroscience research.

Annual Income

While Allen’s exact annual income is not publicly disclosed, his wealth has grown significantly over the years. In 2020, Forbes estimated his annual earnings to be around $1.5 billion, primarily from his investments and dividends.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Paul Allen

Paul Allen Net Worth

Paul Allen’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 billion.

What was Paul Allen’s primary source of wealth?

Paul Allen co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975. His wealth primarily comes from his stake in the company.

How much of Microsoft did Paul Allen own?

At his peak, Paul Allen owned around 10% of Microsoft’s stock.

What other investments did Paul Allen make?

Allen invested in various sectors including technology, media, sports, and real estate. He owned the Portland Trail Blazers NBA team, the Seattle Seahawks NFL team, and had investments in companies like DreamWorks Animation and Charter Communications.

What was Paul Allen’s involvement in the development of the personal computer?

Allen, along with Bill Gates, developed the BASIC programming language for the Altair 8800, one of the first popular microcomputers. This led to the creation of Microsoft and the MS-DOS operating system.

When did Paul Allen leave Microsoft?

Allen left Microsoft in 1983 due to health issues. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1982.

What was Paul Allen’s role in the creation of the World Wide Web?

Allen’s investment in the company that became known as CompuServe in the late 1960s helped to fund the development of the internet and the World Wide Web.

What was Paul Allen’s net worth at the time of his death?

At the time of his death in 2018, Paul Allen’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 billion.

How much money did Paul Allen donate to charity?

Throughout his life, Allen donated hundreds of millions of dollars to various causes, including healthcare, education, and environmental conservation. He founded the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation in 1988 to manage these donations.

What was Paul Allen’s cause of death?

Paul Allen died on October 15, 2018, from complications of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.